FREQUENCY OF MAJOR MATERNAL COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is defined as association of
pregnancy induced hypertension and proteinuria. It is a
severe form of pregnancy complication and leads to
increased maternal mortality and morbidity such as
placental abruption, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The
aim of this study was to determine the frequency of major
maternal complications of severe preeclampsia which
included eclampsia, placental abruption and HELLP
syndrome.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive study of 6
months duration (from April 7, 2010 to October 7, 2010)
was conducted in Gynecology & Obstetrics ‘C’ unit of
Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Sample size was
calculated and all subjects who fulfilled the inclusion
criteria underwent a complete workup including history
and examination. Data collected on predesigned Performa
included demographic variables, obstetrical history,
number of fits, ante partum hemorrhage, blood pressure,
LDH, AST, platelets, FDPs, proteinuria and renal function.
Data were analyzed by SPSS version 10. Means and
standard deviations were calculated for obstetrical history
and systolic blood pressures. Frequencies were calculated
for booked/unbooked status and for maternal
complications.
Results: Among 126 patients, 53 (42.06%) developed
complications. Twenty two (41.51%) of these developed
HELLP syndrome, 20 (37.73%) had placental Abruptio,
while 11 (20.75%) developed Eclampsia.
Conclusion: Severe preeclampsia is associated with
increased risk of maternal adverse outcome. Preeclampsia
and eclampsia cannot be completely prevented but
maternal complications can be minimized by improvement
in obstetrical antenatal care.