RISK FACTORS FOR MATERNAL MORTALITY AMONG ECLAMPTICS IN HAWASSA UNIVERSITY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, 2016

Abstract

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Globally eclampsia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, child birth and puerperium. Early intervention and provision of critical care for those at risk of significant morbidity and mortality is important. OBJECTIVE: To identify important risk factors for maternal mortality among eclamptic women managed in Hawassa University Referral Hospital. METHODOLOGY: A five years retrospective case - control analysis of risk factors for maternal mortality among eclamptic women was done. Cases were those mothers who died and the controls were those who survived. Data was collected from patient charts and variables were assessed among cases and controls to identify risk factors for mortality. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P- values were computed. RESULTS: The majority of eclamptics were below 26 years of age, 95 (65 %); primigravida, 76 (52 %) and from out of Hawassa, 95 (65 %). Five or more convulsions before admission (OR = 3.90, 95%CI, 1.64 – 9.37), creatinine level above 0.9 mg/dl (0R = 7.73, 95%CI, 2.84 – 21.63) and platelet count less than 100,000/mm3 (OR = 11.20, 95%CI, 3.70 – 36.32) were significantly associated with the risk of mortality at admission. The case fatality rate of eclampsia was 24% and the most important causes of deaths were respiratory failure and acute renal failure. CONCLUSION: Closer follow up should be considered for those eclamptics with 5 or more convulsions before admission; and elevated creatinine level and thrombocytopenia at admission. The quality of care provided in the intensive care unit should be improved. KEY WORDS: Eclampsia, Risk factors for maternal mortality at admission (Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health 2016; 8:8--18)