Publication Details
Abstract
Background: Eclampsia is a major preventable cause of maternal and perinatal death around the world and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To make targeted interventions, it is important to understand the socio-demographic risk factors for eclampsia and how these factors affect later outcomes.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 115 women diagnosed with eclampsia, performed in Hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, parity, education, and referral status), clinical presentation, and maternal and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Independent risk factors for adverse outcomes were identified using multivariable logistic regression.
Findings: 1.1% of deliveries were complicated by eclampsia. The mean age was 27.4 years (SD ±6.3). Adolescent mothers (aged <20 years) accounted for 34% and were 2.5 times more likely than older mothers (95% CI 1.8–3.4). 43.9% of mothers were nulliparous, and they were associated with high perinatal mortality (AOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.01–3.00). The rates of maternal complications were 64.3%, and those of perinatal mortality were 20.1%, respectively. Vaginal delivery (AOR 5.5; 95% CI 2.3–13.3) and postpartum hemorrhage (AOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2–8.3) were independent risk factors for perinatal death. The majority of cases were antepartum eclampsia (63.8%).
Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors such as low education, nulliparity, and young maternal age are important factors associated with eclampsia and adverse perinatal outcomes.