ECLAMPSIA - 134 CONSECUTIVE CASES

OBJECTIVE. A retrospective analysis of all cases of eclampsia (134) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, in 1991, was undertaken to determine future directions in prevention and management. METHODS. One hundred and thirty-four consecutive cases of eclampsia were reviewed to assess possible risk factors, associated medical impact, and the us efulness of prenatal care. RESULTS. Risk factors for the development o f eclampsia include: young age, delivery in the rainy season, nullipar ity, multiple pregnancy, prolonged labor, and lack of prenatal care. E clampsia is associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality. CON CLUSIONS: Future emphasis on prenatal clinics, and earlier detection a nd management of pre-eclampsia should lessen the incidence of this sev ere obstetric emergency.