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A Review of Eclampsia in Melbourne: 1978–1992
Author(s) -
Cincotta Robert,
Ross Andrew
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1996.tb02707.x
Subject(s) - eclampsia , medicine , hellp syndrome , incidence (geometry) , obstetrics , odds ratio , complication , pregnancy , maternal death , pediatrics , surgery , population , genetics , physics , environmental health , optics , biology
Summary: A retrospective review of all cases of eclampsia diagnosed at 3 obstetric teaching hospitals in Melbourne from January, 1978 to December, 1992 was undertaken. Ninety cases were identified; there were 5 maternal deaths and 17 perinatal deaths. Severe maternal morbidity such as pulmonary oedema, acute renal failure or HELLP syndrome was found in 26%. Significant maternal thrombocytopenia (<100 × 10 9 /L) was found in 50% and 35% had abnormal maternal liver function tests. Forty six women received magnesium sulphate for treatment of eclampsia and of these 3 had further seizures compared to 4 of 18 who received phenytoin (odds ratio 0.24 (0.04‐1.52) X 2 , p=0.09). Eclampsia remains a significant complication of pregnancy with high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Results of this study show a trend that is in agreement with recent randomized controlled trials which demonstrate a reduced incidence of seizures and maternal and fetal complications with tbe use of magnesium sulphate. The results of these recent trials suggest that magnesium sulphate should be the drug of choice in the prevention and treatment of eclampsia.