Follow-up interviews after eclampsia

Abstract

Background/aims: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of persisting symptoms 6 months or more after eclampsia.

Methods: During a 2-year period (mid-1998 to mid-2000), 210 patients with eclampsia were included in a prospective cohort study of eclampsia in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. One hundred and twenty-three women (59%) were followed up with a structured telephone interview, 6-24 months (median 11) after their eclamptic fit.

Results: At the time of follow-up, 63 women (51%) had at least one persistent symptom; 2 patients had severe neurological sequels (hemiparesis and dysarthria), 11% had visual disturbances, 22% had problems concentrating or recalling phone numbers and messages, 18% reported frequent headaches and 10% had vertigo or balance problems.

Conclusion: Although few women suffered from severe sequels, many women had persisting symptoms following eclampsia indicating a need for follow-up of these patients. A case-control study comparing the health and symptoms between women having suffered from eclampsia and women without this complication may therefore be justified.