Pattern and Outcome of Eclampsia Managed at a General Hospital in North-West Nigeria.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute major threats to maternal health during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period. Eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in low income and middle-income countries. Method: A retrospective review of the clinical records of women managed for eclampsia during a two-year period from December 2004 to November 2006 at the General hospital Aliero was undertaken. Results: Fifty-eight patients were managed for eclampsia during the 2-year period of study. Eclampsia occurred before and during labour in 47 patients while 11 patients had post-partum eclampsia. Conclusion: The reorientation of caregivers and the community in order to enhance awareness of eclampsia is recommended. The promotion of early presentation, routine antenatal care, and prompt referral to secondary center’s as well as the provision of the resources for adequate management of eclampsia is advocated. Key Words: Eclampsia; Pregnancy and Hypertension; Maternal Mortality and Morbidity; Nigeria