Near death of a pregnant Somali woman due to neglected eclampsia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of cardiac arrest of a Somali woman in labor due to neglected eclampsia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A 16-year-old Somali primigravida was seen because of convulsions at 28 weeks gestation. She had two attacks of convulsions at home before coming to the hospital. She suffers from diabetes and is insulin-dependent. Her convulsions were controlled with diazepam. Vaginal examination showed a seven cm dilated cervix with high-breech. In the operating room, cardiac arrest occurred.

RESULTS

Cesarean section was performed during resuscitation. The patient's maternal condition improved and was diagnosed with pulmonary edema and diabetic ketoacidosis. She was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) then transferred to the postnatal ward. She was discharged home and is in good general condition.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate or lack of antenatal care of Somali pregnant women due to many factors, including ignorance, can result in medical catastrophic situations as illustrated in the current case.