A study of Maternal and Fetal outcome Following Caesarean Section Versus Vaginal Delivery in Eclamptic Patients in Six Months Study in Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, Rangpur

Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Eclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries due to delayed presentation, poor antenatal care and limited access to emergency obstetric services. The optimal mode of delivery for eclamptic patients remains debated, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Objective: This study aimed to compare maternal and fetal outcomes following caesarean section versus vaginal delivery among eclamptic patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional comparative study was conducted over six months at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh. One hundred women with eclampsia were grouped according to the delivery mode. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, maternal and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Caesarean section was predominant (70%), while 30% delivered vaginally. Maternal mortality was higher in vaginal delivery (20%) than in caesarean section (7.14%). Maternal morbidity was higher after vaginal delivery (54% vs. 25%). The main complications were pulmonary edema, renal failure, cerebrovascular accident and postpartum haemorrhage. Live births were higher with caesarean deliveries (83%) than with vaginal deliveries (63%), whereas perinatal mortality was greater with vaginal deliveries (37% vs. 17%). Prematurity and birth asphyxia were the main causes of perinatal mortality. Neonates delivered by caesarean section had higher Apgar scores at one and five minutes. Conclusion: Caesarean section showed improved maternal and perinatal outcomes compared to vaginal delivery in selected eclamptic patients. Timely decision-making and improved antenatal care are essential to reducing eclampsia-related mortality.