Posterior encephalopathy syndrome in women with eclampsia: Predictors and outcome.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to study predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome in eclampsia and the impact of posterior encephalopathy syndrome on outcome.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled consecutive women with eclampsia. These women were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome were determined using univariate, followed by multivariate, analysis. Women were followed for 30days. Maternal outcome was assessed using modified Rankin scale (mRS).

RESULTS

One hundred and four consecutive women with eclampsia were included. Seventy-four women with eclampsia had posterior encephalopathy syndrome. Predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome were primigravida status, altered sensorium, impairment of vision, vomiting, status epilepticus, unregistered status in a regular ante-natal check-up programme, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, low platelet count and deranged kidney and liver functions on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, vision impairment, primigravida status, and unbooked pregnancy were independent factors. Posterior encephalopathy syndrome was associated with a poor maternal and fetal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Vision impairment, primigravida status, and unbooked pregnancy are independent predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome, that in turn is associated with a poor maternal and fetal outcome.