An autopsy series of women who died from eclampsia is reviewed. What is the single most common direct cause of maternal death in these patients?

• A Pulmonary oedema
• B Intracranial haemorrhage ✓
• C Acute kidney injury
• D Hepatic rupture

Explanation

Cerebrovascular accidents, chiefly intracranial haemorrhage from extreme hypertension and loss of cerebral autoregulation, remain the leading cause of death in eclampsia, accounting for roughly half of eclampsia-related maternal deaths. This underpins aggressive control of severe systolic hypertension, since systolic pressures above 160 mmHg markedly raise haemorrhage risk. Pulmonary oedema, renal failure, hepatic rupture, and HELLP-related complications are recognised causes of death but individually account for fewer fatalities than cerebral haemorrhage.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.