Background and Goal of Study:
Despite advances in detection and management, preeclampsia/eclampsia remains a common cause of maternal morbidity and death in the world. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of eclampsia and its morbidity and mortality.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective survey in a third level Tunisian university teaching hospital from January 2004 to December 2016. We included all patients with the diagnosis of eclampsia. We evaluated clinical profile, maternal and perinatal outcome.
Results:
In our study period, 129847 deliveries were registered. 83 women with eclampsia were identified. Hence, the incidence of eclampsia was 6.39 per 10000 deliveries. There was a bimodal distribution in age with the highest frequency at 21 and 41 years. All cases of eclampsia occurred before delivery. One quarters of first seizures occurred in hospital. The median gestational age at the time of eclampsia was 35 weeks of gestation. The delivery mode was caesarean section in 100%. The recurrence of eclampsia despite magnesium sulfate prevention was observed in 6% of patients. Severe complications of eclampsia were recorded in 10.8% of patients: 4 cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, 2 cases of acute pulmonary edema, and 3 cases of HELLP syndrome. No maternal deaths due to eclampsia were recorded. Only 10.8% of new born were preterm. There were 5 stillbirths and 2 neonatal deaths.
Conclusion(s):
The incidence of eclampsia was very high probably due to center effect. It’s essential to raise awareness among mothers in the community regarding early signs and symptoms of preeclampsia / eclampsia and to design a better tracking system for antenatal care program.

04 / Maternal and Perinatal outcome of Eclampsia at a third level Tunisian hospital: a 12 years review