Obstetrics haemorrhage was the leading cause of maternal death for over 3 decades but since 2020s we have observed that preeclampsia/eclampsia cases are increasing. This survey aims to reveal the magnitude of preeclampsia in relation to maternal mortality in our setting.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital from January to December 2022. Maternal annual audit report was used to extract specific data which was entered into a computer database and analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results: Total maternities from Jan to Dec 2022 was 2893 deliveries. Total number of recorded Preeclampsia/Eclampsia was 427. The prevalence was 427/2893 (14.8%).
There were 54 pregnancy related deaths, Preeclampsia/Eclampsia was 24 (44%); Haemorrhage 12 (22.2%); Sepsis 7 (12.9%). All Preeclampsia/Eclampsia related deaths were referred.
Conclusion: The menace of preeclampsia/Eclampsia is overwhelming and has maintained the leading cause of maternal mortality in Gambia. Hence measures to predict this condition is highly needed.