MATERNAL COMPLICATIONS OF SEVERE PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA

Abstract

BACK GROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia have been matters of serious medical concerns
associated with pregnancy. About 5 to 10% of pregnancies are associated with hypertensive disorders.
These include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PE), chronic hypertension and preeclampsia
superimposed on chronic hypertension. Preeclampsia can lead to substantial maternal and fetal
morbidity and mortality.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study is to determine the maternal complications of severe
preeclampsia and eclampsia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Retrospective Study was carried out at the Department of
Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar and Department of Biochemistry, Khyber
Medical College, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during May, 2013 and April, 2014 on 156 female
patients with history of preeclampsia and eclampsiameeting predetermined selected criteria.
RESULTS: Out of 156 patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia, 94 cases(60.30%) were in the age
group of 20-30 years. Primigravida were 43.60%(n=68 cases) while multigravidas were 41.70%(n=65
cases). Delivery route was mainly vaginal in 127 cases(80%). The most frequent maternal complication
was HELLP syndrome in 7.10%(n=l leases), visual disturbances in 7.70%(n=12cases), hepatic
complications in 4.50%(n=7cases),DIC in 3.80%(n=6cases), renal impairment in 3.20%(n=5cases),
aspiration pneumonia in 2.60%(n=4cases) and maternal mortality in 9.60%(n=15 cases).
CONCLUSION:Pre-eclampsia and eclampsiaare associated with increase in maternal morbidity and
mortality. Complications can be prevented by proper antenatal checkups, increasing literacy rate,
creating awareness regarding health education and early diagnosis and referral to tertiary level hospitals.
Key Words: Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia, Maternal Complications,HELLP syndrome.