Risk factors for maternal mortality in eclampsia: analysis of 167 eclamptic cases.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with maternal mortality in patients with eclampsia.

METHODS

The probable risk factors of maternal mortality including maternal age, length of hospital stay, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures; hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet count, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase were determined from patients' charts and Odds ratios (OR) of these factors were detected using by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

According to logistic regression model, AST [OR, (95% Confidence Interval, CI): 7.39 (2.71-20.13)]; ALT [6.45 (2.42-17.16)]; postpartum diastolic blood pressure [4.58 (1.80-11.62)]; hematocrit [3.52 (1.86-6.65)]; hemoglobin [2.67 (2.01-3.55)] were found to be significant risk factors for maternal mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In eclamptic patients, close monitoring of particular laboratory values and blood pressure, and early intervention to alterations of certain variables will provide possibility for prevention against potential complications and subsequently decreasing mortality.