Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia: a literature review.

A review of literature on pre-eclampsia/eclampsia indicates that this is one of the commonest causes of high maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. Current information on the condition indicates that use of aspirin, phenytoin and magnesium sulphate are on the increase. However, in Malawi lytic cocktail and use of antihypertensives such as Hydralazine and, anticonvulsants such as Valium are currently in use. Even with this type of management, Malawi experiences high morbidity and mortality rates. This literature review was done to identify baseline data for a study to be carried out in some of the hospitals in Malawi to establish a protocol for effective management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Malawi. It is hoped that after using low dose aspirin and magnesium sulphate, the morbidity and mortality caused by the disease will be reversed with time.