Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Severe Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia

ABSTRACT Background Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Present study was planned to find the maternal and perinatal outcome in patients of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Methodology It is a prospective study, carried out on 100 pregnant women admitted with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at a tertiary care referral unit. Detailed history and examination was carried out. Investigations like complete hemogram, liver function tests, renal function tests, coagulation profile, fundus and 24 hours urine for protein were done. Obstetric management was done as per existing protocol in the department, magnesium sulphate was the drug of choice for controlling convulsions, and blood pressure was controlled either by oral nefidipene or methyl dopa. Maternal and perinatal complications were noted down. Results The majority of the patients was unbooked (82%), belonged to lower socioeconomic status (84%) and had rural background (84%). Headache was the most common antecedent symptom (44%) followed by epigastric pain (20%), oliguria (9%), blurring of vision (8%) and ascitis (5%). There was high incidence of maternal complications like PPH (31%), abruption placentae (11%), renal dysfunction (8%), pulmonary edema (8%), pulmonary embolism (4%), HELLP syndrome (2%) and DIC (2%). Maternal mortality was 8% and the causes were pulmonary embolism in four women, DIC in two, HELLP and pulmonary edema in one each. Perinatal complications were also high 71.43% were low birth weight, 66% had preterm delivery, 52.4% babies had birth asphyxia and 28.57% were still born. Maternal and perinatal outcome was much poorer in eclampsia as compared to severe pre-eclampsia. Conclusion There is a very high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and 82% patients had no antenatal care. Good antenatal care could have been prevented severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia to some extent. Thus it is suggested that developing countries have to go a long way to create awareness about importance of antenatal check ups and take measures for implementation.