Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Frequency of Eclampsia in Pregnant Women Having Gestational Amenorrhea More Than Twenty Weeks

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of seasonal variation on the frequency of eclampsia in pregnant women having gestational amenorrhea more than 20 weeks.

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department LUMHS Jamshoro from 28^th October 2016 to 28^th October 2017.

Materials and Methods: A total of 130 primigravida pregnant women, >20 weeks of gestational age were included in this study.  Diagnosis of eclampsia was made by consultant obstetrician and the patient was managed by her under her direct supervision. Frequencies of eclampsia in pregnant women were noted in various seasons like summer, autumn, winter and spring.

Results:-Women average age was 24.98±2.56 years. Frequency of eclampsia in the pregnant women having gestational amenorrhea was observed in 2.23% (130/5831) women. Incidence of eclampsia was 26.15% (34/5831) in spring season, 23.08% (38/5831) in summer season and 16.92% (22/5831) in autumn season, 33.8% (44/5831) in winter season but statistically there was no significant difference among different seasons (p=0.499). Similarly incidence of eclampsia was also not significant between monsoon and dry season (4% vs. 3.8%, p= 0.96). 

Conclusion: The results of current study revealed no significant impact of seasonal changes on eclampsia. As eclampsia is very common in pregnant women, efforts should be taken to understand its aetiologies as possible prevention may reduce the patient burden and feto maternal morbidity/mortality.