Neurological complications in eclampsia: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: Neurological abnormalities contribute significantly to maternal mortality in eclampsia. We studied the epidemiology and neurological and obstetric outcome of such patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done at a referral center. 19 cases of eclampsia with recurrent convulsions (n = 8) or coma without convulsions (n = 5) or cerebrovascular accidents (n = 4) or blindness (n = 2) were studied. We excluded cases with primary neurological abnormalities. Management included initial stabilization followed by early delivery. Primary anticonvulsant was magnesium sulphate. RESULTS: The incidence of eclampsia was 0.71%. Among 61 cases, 19 (31.14%) had neurological abnormalities; 15 patients had no antenatal care. Three cases were postpartum. Comatose patients had the highest mean arterial pressure (MAP) (mean 154.66 mm Hg, p = 0.027). Fundoscopy was usually normal. Computerized tomography revealed mild cerebral edema in six cases and accurately diagnosed all cerebrovascular accidents. Phenytoin controlled convulsions in 7/8 cases with recurrent seizures. The cesarean section rate was 37.5% and admission to delivery interval was 10.38 hours. Five perinatal and two maternal deaths were recorded among 19 cases. Neurological recovery was complete in all survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Critical care back-up is essential at tertiary referral centers for a large proportion of neurological abnormalities in eclampsia. High MAP and accompanying thrombocytopenia may be key factors in cerebral pathology. CT scan is a simple and effective investigation in these cases. Phenytoin is an effective second-line anticonvulsant. No maternal death was related directly to cesarean section. Early delivery prevents worsening of systemic status.

Pregnancy outcome after operative correction of puerperal uterine inversion.

Uterine inversion is an uncommon but life-threatening obstetric emergency. A review of the approaches to correct uterine inversion is presented. In cases where time has elapsed between delivery and presentation, the inversion ring may have become too tight to allow manual reposition of the fundus. In such cases, it has to be divided by a vertical incision. In subsequent pregnancy, antenatal care should include placental localization and planning for an elective Caesarean Section. The outcome of future pregnancies may be complicated by placenta accreta and massive haemorrhage.

Non-puerperal incomplete lateral uterine inversion with submucous leiomyoma: a case report.

A perimenopausal, multiparous woman presented with prolapse. Clinically, there was a doubt between prolapsed submucous leiomyoma and uterine inversion. Laparoscopy showed an unusual pattern of uterine inversion restricted to the left cornual region with a submucous leiomyoma. A vaginal hysterectomy with due considerations for alterations of anatomical relationships minimized operative morbidity.