Predictors of eclampsia among preeclamptic patients: a case control study in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality. Eclampsia is a dramatic complication of preeclampsia. This study aimed at identifying clinical predictors of eclampsia among preeclamptic patients.Methods: We carried out a case-control study from November 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015 in six health facilities in Yaounde. Cases were women who have had eclamptic seizures antepartum, perpartum or within 48 hours of delivery. Controls were preeclamptic women who did not convulse till 48 hours after delivery. Unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios were calculated.Results: After univariable analysis the following parameters were associated with eclampsia: headache (uOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-6.2) and absence of stable income (uOR: 17.6; 95% CI: 6.2-49.8). After multivariate analysis predictors of eclampsia among pre-eclamptic patients were: age <20 years (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-5.9), family history of high blood pressure in the mother (aOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1.2-19.3), antenatal care by a nurse auxiliary (aOR: 9.3; 95% CI: 2.4-35.9), right upper abdominal quadrant pain (aOR: 9.9; 95% CI:1.2-77.9) visual disturbances (aOR:7.9; 95% CI: 2.3-26.9).Conclusions: These predictors of eclampsia can be used for early initiation of aggressive preventive therapy in pre-eclamptic patients.