Eclampsia at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital: a 6-Year Review

Abstract

          Background: Eclampsia is one of the three leading causes of maternal death in Thailand. Objective: To study the incidence of eclampsia at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Patients & Methods: Retrospective descriptive study in eclamptic patients at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital during 1 October, 2001 to 30 September, 2007 was performed. The data were analysed and presented in percentage. Results: There were 42 eclamptic patients from 49,658 deliveries. The incidence was 1:1182. Most cases were young (22.5 years) and nulliparus (76.0%). The majority of eclampsia appeared during 28-37 weeks of gestation, antepartum period and before admission (88.1%). The cesarean section rate was 86.0% and 75.6% of the neonates had no birth asphyxia (Apgar score at 5 minutes was more than 7). HELLP syndrome was found 4.4%. Maternal mortality rate was 2.2%. Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital is high. Patient education, especially in high risk group, may reduce the incidence and severity of disease.