[Eclampsia at the Hospital Center of Libreville. 53 cases among 41,285 deliveries from 1985 to 1989].

Eclampsia is a serious complication at the end of pregnancy. This retrospective study over a 5-year period at the Libreville CHU hospital shows that the incidence of 0.12 p. cent is comparable to the incidence fond in other countries at a similar level of development. Promoting causes include youth of the patients, twin births, the "cold" season, the lack of follow-up after prenatal consultations. The consequences are increased maternal and perinatal death. Cesarean section remains the best way of dealing with an attack of eclampsia and improves both maternal and fetal prognosis. It is possible to eliminate, or at least reduce, the number of cases by developing conscientious and regular prenatal consultations.