Pattern and Outcome of Eclampsia Managed at a General Hospital in North-West Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute major threats to maternal health during pregnancy; labour and the post-partum period. Eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in low income and middle-income countries.Method: A retrospective review of the clinical records of women managed for eclampsia during a two-year period from December 2004 to November 2006 at the General hospital Aliero was undertaken.Results: Fifty-eight patients were managed for eclampsia during the 2-year period of study. Eclampsia occurred before and during labour in 47 patients while 11 patients had post-partum eclampsia.Conclusion: The reorientation of caregivers and the community in order to enhance awareness of eclampsia is recommended. The promotion of early presentation; routine antenatal care; and prompt referral to secondary center's as well as the provision of the resources for adequate management of eclampsia is advocated