INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF PREECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE FACILITY
Odili VU, Mazai RO, Usifoh SF
1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin
2 Pharmacy Department, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 9(1): 1-7; June/July 2017
ABSTRACT
Hypertension is a common complication of pregnancy which contributes considerably to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and treatment interventions of preeclampsia and eclampsia in FMC Keffi. The study was a retrospective descriptive study conducted using patients’ case files from Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State. A data collection form was designed to collect demographic data, laboratory results, medication and clinical outcome. A total of 78 cases (38 preeclampsia and 40 eclampsia) were identified out of 2472 deliveries in 2013. The incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia in the facility which was highest among primigravidae was 1 in 67 (1.5%) and 1 in 63 (1.6%) respectively. The most common symptoms exhibited were convulsion, headache and oedema. The laboratory results yielded proteinuria, hematuria, and glucosuria. There was a statistically significant positive association between age and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the subjects. Pearson correlation (r) = 0.3295, (95% CI: 0.2070 to 0.4417 and 0.2074 (95% CI: 0.07811 to 0.3298). p< 0.01 respectively. Magnesium sulphate was administered to most patients either prophylactically or to control fits. Majority 45 (57.7%) of the women had a Caesarean delivery. Out of eighty-three babies, 47 (56.6%) had a birth weight less than 2.5kg. 5 (6.02%) of the babies had neonatal asphyxia while 12 (14.46%) died. The maternal case fatality was 5%. Preeclampsia and eclampsia still remain a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Federal Medical Centre Keffi. Interventions must focus on strategies that prevent the occurrence and facilitates timely management when it occurs.
KEYWORDS: Eclampsia, Incidence, Management, Preeclampsia