loading page

Postpartum eclampsia- a clinical study
  • Deepika Thomas,
  • Usha Vishwanath
Deepika Thomas
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University)

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Usha Vishwanath
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University)
Author Profile

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Eclampsia, an enigmatic multisystem complication of pregnancy, is commonly defined as new onset of grand mal seizure activity and /or unexplained coma during pregnancy or postpartum. Eclampsia is associated with maternal deaths ranging from, 1.8% in developed to 14% in developing countries respectively. The worldwide incidence of delayed postpartum eclampsia is on an increasing trend , now at 16-18% ,of all eclamptic seizures. Objective To study the clinical findings and morbidity, associated with postpartum eclampsia and its correlation with neuroimaging- in our institute- SRIHER, CHENNAI. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study from a period of June 2016- June 2021 , in SRIHER, Chennai. Case records of all patients with postpartum eclampsia were analysed. Results A total of 35 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were studied, out of which 55% of patients were diagnosed with hypertension or preeclampsia antenatally, and 45% presented as atypical eclampsia. In our institution, Postpartum eclampsia commonly occurred in the age group of 26-30 years of age (51.4%) ; was common after LSCS (71.4%) ; most commonly occurred immediate postpartum (42.8%), Most common prodromal symptom was headache (77%), followed by blurring of vision (37%). Most common MRI finding was PRES (69%). 17% patients required ICU care. There was no mortality associated with postpartum eclampsia in the study period. Conclusion This study emphasises that a high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach effectively reduces mortality and morbidity associated with postpartum eclampsia. Neuroimaging is of robust help in the diagnosis and management.
28 Oct 2022Published in International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology volume 11 issue 11 on pages 2987. 10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20222624