Study of clinical profile of convulsions during pregnancy

 

S B Jagtap¹, S P Toshniwal^2*, Y J Kulkarni³, M V Kabara⁴

 

Abstract              Background: Convulsions during pregnancy is major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Poor antenatal care, low socio economic status and illiteracy are responsible for higher incidence of eclampsia. This study describes the clinical profile of pregnant females who developed convulsions. Material and Methods: A total of 100 Pregnant females admitted in emergency ward or ICU and developed convulsions during their pregnancy period diagnosed on the basis history and clinical grounds were included. Etiology of convulsions were determined on the basis of history by relatives or paramedics, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations. Outcome was assessed at termination pregnancy as morbidity or mortality in the mother or fetus. Results: Out of 100 pregnant females with convulsions, majority 46 belonged to 22-25 years age group. The mean age of patients was23.84±3.55years.60 were primigravida and 75 developed convulsions in third trimester.61 females developed single episode of convulsion while 39 females had multiple episodes of convulsions. 12 had focal and 88 had GTCS type of convulsions. The main presenting complaints were headache, vomiting, fever and altered sensorium. Discussion: Eclampsia can be effectively controlled and treated with timely and good antenatal care. In predicting the mortality and morbidity, age, gravidity and number of convulsions were not significant whereas trimester of development of convulsions, type of convulsions and etiology were found to be significant.

 Keywords: Pregnancy, convulsions, gravidae, trimester, morbidity.