LABORATORY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AMONG  PATIENTS WITH ECLAMPSIA AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL,  NAIROBI, KENYA.

C.M Obwaka; R.J Kosgei; H Tamooh; J Kiarie; M.K Kilonzo; P.K Koigi; G.N Gwako; F.X Odawa; A Osoti; O Kireki; A.B Kihara; P.M Ndavi; O Ogutu

doi:10.59692/jogeca.v30i2.354

LABORATORY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH ECLAMPSIA AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, KENYA.

Authors

Dr. Obwaka C.M The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi.
Dr. Kosgei R.J Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Tamooh H Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.
Prof. Kiarie J Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Human Reproduction Team, World Health Organisation, Geneva.
Dr. Kilonzo M.K Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Koigi P.K The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi.
Dr. Gwako G.N Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Odawa F.X Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Osoti A Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Kireki O Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Kihara A.B Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Prof. Ndavi P.M Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.
Dr. Ogutu O Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v30i2.354

Keywords:

eclampsia, maternal mortality, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, laboratory factors

Abstract

Background: Eclampsia contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality both locally and globally. Identifying risk factors for mortality in women with eclampsia at KNH would serve to try and ameliorate these catastrophic outcomes.

Objective: To determine and compare the laboratory findings associated with mortality in women managed for eclampsia at KNH between 2007 and 2014.

Design: A hospital-based case control study. Cases were women who were managed for eclampsia and died while controls were those who survived eclampsia.

Results: A total of 262 records of patients with eclampsia managed at KNH between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2014 were retrieved. Compared to controls, cases were older and less educated. Patients aged above 34 years had significantly higher odds of death compared to those between 14 and 24 years (OR 4.03; 95% CI 1.70 - 9.56; p= 0.002). Normal haemoglobin levels offered some protection against death (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14 – 0.95, p= 0.116). High creatinine levels significantly increased the odds of death, (OR 7.30; 95% CI 2.50 – 21.4; p< 0.001). High aspartate transferase (AST) levels were significantly associated with death (OR 5.14; 95% CI 1.12 – 23.49, p= 0.005). There was no significant association between death and potassium levels, alanine transaminase levels (ALT), educational attainment or marital status.

Conclusion: Patients on management for eclampsia at KNH aged above 34 years with elevated AST and creatinine levels had increased risk of mortality.