Eclampsia: a continuing obstetric catastrophe the experience in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

All cases of eclampsia over a 15-year period in Ile-Ife University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, were reviewed in order to highlight the problems associated with this condition. The incidence was 0.76% of the total deliveries and showing increasing trend during the period of study. Nulliparas, mainly teenagers and young adults, who were of lower socioeconomic group and who lacked antenatal supervision constituted the majority of cases. Many patients presented following numerous convulsions. Diazepam in combination with hydralazine were the most commonly used drugs. The associated maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity were unacceptably high. Suggestions as to how the incidence might be reduced are included.