MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES IN ECLAMPSIA WITH NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER
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Keywords
Pregnancy complications, Neurologic manifestations, Maternal mortality, Infant mortality, Intensive care units
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Eclampsia with neurological symptoms is a serious obstetric complication contributing significantly to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In resource-limited settings, clinical evaluation of such cases remains a significant challenge due to limited access to advanced diagnostics.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with eclampsia presenting with neurological symptoms and identify the most common manifestations associated with adverse outcomes.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over three months in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 40 pregnant women with eclampsia and neurological symptoms were included. Clinical data, including demographic details, neurological signs, blood pressure, proteinuria, maternal outcomes (ICU admission, ventilation, mortality), and fetal outcomes (birth weight, APGAR scores, NICU admission, stillbirths) were collected using structured proformas and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
RESULTS: The most frequent age group was 21–25 years (n = 18; 45.00%), and 62.50% (n = 25) were primigravida. Seizures were present in all patients (100%), followed by headache in 32 (80.00%) and visual disturbances in 18 (45.00%). Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg was observed in 24 patients (60.00%), and 15 (37.50%) had 3+ proteinuria. ICU admissions were required in 12 cases (30.00%), ventilatory support in 5 (12.50%), and maternal mortality occurred in 2 patients (5.00%). Fetal complications included low birth weight in 22 neonates (55.00%), APGAR score <7 at 5 minutes in 10 (25.00%), NICU admissions in 12 (30.00%), and 3 stillbirths (7.50%).
CONCLUSIONS: Neurological symptoms in eclampsia significantly influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early detection and multidisciplinary care are critical in improving prognosis in such high-risk pregnancies.
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Dr. Deepika Agrawal
Associate Professor, Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Varun Arjun Medical College & Rohilkhand Hospital, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Kumar Nitish
Consultant Neurosurgeon, Nivansh Healthcare Centre, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh