[Gynecology-obstetrics at the Yalgado-Ouédraogo National Hospital Center. Eclampsia: epidemiologic, clinical and prognostic aspects].

We present the results of a retrospective study carried out between 1992 and 1995 aimed at describing the epidemiological, clinical and developmental profile of eclampsia in an African maternity unit towards the end of the 20th Century. The incidence of eclampsia was 108 cases in 12,175 births (0.89%), mostly in young patients during their first pregnancy. 40.7% of the patients were less than 20 years old and 59.3% were expecting their first child. Eclampsia occurred between the 28th and 37th weeks of amenorrhea in 37% of cases. Thirty four patients (31.5%) had had at least three episodes of eclampsia prior to admission. Diastolic arterial blood pressure was higher than 120 mmHg in 25.9% of cases. Eclampsia occurred before labor in 30.6% of cases, during labor in 38% of cases and after giving birth in 31.5% of cases. Postpartum episodes occurred an average of 67 +/- 18.7 hours after the birth. There were complication with infection in 7 cases, renal insufficiency in 14 cases and one case of retro placental hematoma. Seventeen patients died, giving a death rate of 15.7%. During the same period, 3.4% of maternal deaths were due to eclampsia. The perinatal mortality rate was 23.1%. A quantitative and qualitative improvement in prenatal consultations should make it possible to reduce the incidence of eclampsia. Measuring arterial blood pressure daily for at least 14 days after the birth appears to be necessary for diagnosis and treatment of all cases of hypertension.