Clinical experience of eclampsia at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka. An analysis of 50 cases.

A clinical analysis of 50 cases of eclampsia for the period June 1971-June 1973 is presented. During the same period there were 32 011 deliveries--an incidence of 0,156%. Of these 50 cases, only 8 were booked. There were 40 primigravidas. The highest number of fits recorded in any one patient was 6, and 13 patients has had fits before admission. Thirty-four patients were in established labour on admission. Only 12 patients had postpartum fits. The basis of management was heavy sedation, anticonvulsant therapy and emptying of the uterus as soon as it could be achieved. Biochemical studies and urine production measurements were important supplementary measures. Twenty patients achieved vaginal delivery and 3 had symphysiotomy, assisted by vacuum extraction, low forceps and midcavity forceps, to complete the delivery. Seventeen patients were delivered by Caesarean section. The remaining 10 had vaginal delivery assisted by vacuum extraction. One mother did not survive. Of the 51 babies, 7 did not survive the neonatal period, and 4 were stillborn.