A prospective study of demography, clinical presentation and risk factors of cerebral venous thrombosis in pregnant and postpartum women

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is reported in pregnant and postpartum women showing different characteristic because of specific physiology associated with pregnancy and puerperium. Aims and Objectives: To study sociodemographic features and risk factors of CVT in pregnant and postpartum women. Materials and Methods: A total 100 pregnant and postpartum women having CVT were studied at Kamla Raja Hospital and JA Group of Hospital at GR Medical College, Gwalior Madhya Pradesh for study period of 2016 to 2017. Detailed patient’s history, risk factors, symptoms, booking and referral status, place and mode of delivery was recorded. Results: CVT was most common in women with 2nd decade of life (84%), were 2nd gravida (39%), belonging to rural community (82%) and low socioeconomic status (85%). Maximum women came directly to the centre (58%), were unbooked (96%), presented in postpartum period (95%) and were delivered in hospital (86%). Maximum patients were delivered at various district hospitals (25.5%). Most common risk factor for CVT was anemia (56%) followed by hypertension (30%) and infection (17%) Most common clinical presentation was seizure (65%), headache (48%), paresis (26%) and nausea and vomiting (15%). Conclusion: CVT is associated with varied symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum period. Young age, rural community, low socioeconomic class, caesarean delivery, anemia and preeclampsia were the prevailing risk factors. Keywords: Pregnancy, Postpartum period, Anemia, Caesarean delivery, CVT.