The unfavorable slope from mild preeclampsia through severe preeclampsia, to eclampsia

Abstract

Objective: To compare the risk factors as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes between women with eclampsia to those with mild and severe preeclampsia.

Methods: A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcomes of women with preeclampsia (mild and severe) with those who were complicated with eclampsia was conducted. Statistical analysis included chi-square test for trend (the linear-by-linear association test).

Results: The study population consisted of 10,018 women, 0.5% (n=52) suffered from eclampsia, 24% (n=2,409) had severe preeclampsia and 75.4% (n=7,557) had mild preeclampsia. A significant linear association was noted between the three groups (eclampsia, severe preeclampsia and mild preeclampsia) and risk factors such as nulliparity, young maternal age and oligohydramnios. A significant linear association was also documented between the three groups and adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes such as post-partum hemorrhage, the need for blood transfusion, non reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) patterns, low Apgar score at 5min and perinatal mortality.

Conclusions: An unfavorable slope was noted in the rate of certain risk factors and adverse perinatal outcomes between women with eclampsia through patients with severe preeclampsia to those with mild preeclampsia.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Eclampsia; Nulliparity; Perinatal mortality; Preeclampsia.