Abstract
ABSTRACT Background Eclampsia, an enigmatic multisystem complication of
pregnancy, is commonly defined as new onset of grand mal seizure
activity and /or unexplained coma during pregnancy or postpartum.
Eclampsia is associated with maternal deaths ranging from, 1.8% in
developed to 14% in developing countries respectively. The worldwide
incidence of delayed postpartum eclampsia is on an increasing trend ,
now at 16-18% ,of all eclamptic seizures. Objective To study the
clinical findings and morbidity, associated with postpartum eclampsia
and its correlation with neuroimaging- in our institute- SRIHER,
CHENNAI. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study from a
period of June 2016- June 2021 , in SRIHER, Chennai. Case records of all
patients with postpartum eclampsia were analysed. Results A total of 35
patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were studied, out of which
55% of patients were diagnosed with hypertension or preeclampsia
antenatally, and 45% presented as atypical eclampsia. In our
institution, Postpartum eclampsia commonly occurred in the age group of
26-30 years of age (51.4%) ; was common after LSCS (71.4%) ; most
commonly occurred immediate postpartum (42.8%), Most common prodromal
symptom was headache (77%), followed by blurring of vision (37%). Most
common MRI finding was PRES (69%). 17% patients required ICU care.
There was no mortality associated with postpartum eclampsia in the study
period. Conclusion This study emphasises that a high index of suspicion
and a multidisciplinary approach effectively reduces mortality and
morbidity associated with postpartum eclampsia. Neuroimaging is of
robust help in the diagnosis and management.