Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia remain major pregnancy-related conditions contributing significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the incidence of severe preeclampsia and eclampsia at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, identify associated risk factors, evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes, and propose measures to reduce complications related to these conditions.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving women managed for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Cases were identified from labour ward, theatre, and medical records, and relevant case notes were retrieved. Data extracted included maternal age, parity, antenatal booking status, gestational age at presentation and delivery, blood pressure records, complications, mode of delivery, neonatal outcomes, birth weight, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Data were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Chi-square test was used to test associations, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital’s Research Ethics Review Committee.
Results:
During the study period, 2,712 deliveries were recorded. Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia accounted for 4.2% and 2.2% of deliveries respectively. Most affected women were aged 25–29 years, with a mean age of 29.6 ± 5.7 years, and were predominantly unbooked and nulliparous. Caesarean section was performed in 80.7% of cases, while 28% developed complications, with acute renal failure being the most frequent. The mean gestational age at delivery was 34.2 ± 4.2 weeks, and 41.4% of newborns had low birth weight. Perinatal asphyxia occurred in 3.5% of neonates, and 63.4% required neonatal intensive care admission. The maternal case fatality rate was 2.1%, while perinatal mortality stood at 23.4%.
Conclusion:
Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia remain prevalent at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and are associated with considerable maternal and perinatal complications. Most affected women were unbooked nulliparous mothers. Strengthening policies that improve access to and utilization of antenatal care, particularly for first-time mothers, is essential. Early diagnosis and prompt referral of preeclamptic patients to tertiary centres are recommended to reduce adverse outcomes.