ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics of eclampsia with cerebral malaria. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done in 24 in-patient cases of eclampsia with cerebral malaria in Mnazimmoja Hospital of Zanzibar from Jul. 1995-Oct. 1998. All had varying degrees of coma, high fever and convulsion with anemia and splenomeguly. In all cases, malarial parasitein in blood smear was positive and underwent anti-malaria treatment, anti-eclamptic convulsion treatment and complex treatment for the prevention of complications, so that 20 of them could terminate pregnancy rapidly. RESULTS: 17 patients were conscious 2-3 days after complex treatment. Their vital signs were gradually stable and pregnancy termination was smooth. 7 patients died, 4 of them due to complicated with blackwater fever and renal failure, one with cardiopneumatic failure, postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal infection respectively. The number of fetal deaths, stillbirth and live births was 8, 7 and 9 respectively. CONCLUSION: Eclampsia with cerebral malaria is an acute and dangerous obstetrical disease. Complex therapy, we think, should be given mainly to the patients. Termination of pregnancy is the key to effective cure of the disease.
