Background
Eclampsia manifests as seizures and is unique to the pregnant state. It remains an important cause of maternal
mortality especially in resource-challenged countries that lack access to prenatal care.
Aims
The aim of our study was to compare maternal and foetal outcomes in mothers with eclampsia with the administration of either magnesium sulphate or phenytoin in a resource- challenged situation.
Method
The work was conducted from January 2012 to December 2012. A total of 80 patients were assigned alternately to
two groups – one group was treated with magnesium sulphate (Group-M; n=40), and the other treated with
phenytoin (Group-P; n=40) (Figure 1). The magnesium sulphate was administered according to Pritchard’s
regimen; phenytoin administered according to Ryan’s regimen. With either regimen, anticonvulsant therapy was
continued for 24 hours postpartum or 24 hours after the last convulsion, whichever was later.
Phenytoin use may be reconsidered in selective cases in low and middle income countries (LMIC) as it has been found
simpler to use, has several benefits and also curtails treatment cost. Magnesium sulphate is substantially more
effective than phenytoin with regard to recurrence of convulsions. Proper training in the management of eclampsia should be given to all health care workers to ensure appropriate management of eclamptic mothers.
Thus, the treatment of this disease calls for more research especially in resource-challenged settings.