MNM and Mortality Among Women with Eclampsia – Using the WHO Criteria

A new study aimed to determine the prevalence of maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal death in women with eclampsia – using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for maternal near miss. 

This cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months and included 229 women diagnosed with eclampsia during antepartum and postpartum periods. Data were collected in a case record form and analyzed using statistical software.

The results revealed that 32.75% experienced MNMwhile 2.62% suffered maternal death.Neurological dysfunction was the leading cause of near miss (30.66%), followed by respiratory (24%), hematological (18.67%), cardiological (16%), hepatic (10.67%), and uterine dysfunction (5.33%). The maternal near-miss ratio was 4.91 per 1000 live births, with a severe maternal outcome ratio of 5.30 per 1000 live births. Maternal near-miss mortality ratio (MNM:1MD) deduced was 12.5:1 with a mortality index of 7.40.

The findings highlight the scope for improvement in antenatal care and health facility utilization, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, perinatal supervision, and appropriate treatment for better outcomes.

Source: Ghosh D, Chaudhuri S, Sahu B, Chakraborty A. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2024; 1:1-7.