Maternal and neonatal outcome following cerebrovascular accidents during pregnancy.

Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics of maternal and neonatal outcome among women with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) during pregnancy.

Methods: Our computerized database was used to identify patients with CVA during pregnancy and puerperium from January 1988 to March 2004. Their medical records were identified and reviewed.

Results: There were 16 cases of CVA among 173,803 deliveries, giving a risk of almost one case per 10,000 pregnant women. Out of 16 patients, 14 (88%) had a stroke and the remaining two cases were diagnosed with venous thrombosis. Of those 14 cases, nine (64%) had ischemic strokes and five (36%) had hemorrhagic strokes. Ten of the CVAs occurred antepartum, two intrapartum and four postpartum. Hypertensive disorders were diagnosed in 75% (12/16) of the patients. Out of these 12 patients with hypertension, 9 (75%) suffered from preeclampsia. One woman had a history of chronic hypertension. Smoking was associated with 63% (10/16) of the cases. There were two maternal deaths, both in women who had hemorrhagic strokes, and both in the first half of the study (1994 and 1996). Nine out of 16 women (56%), were delivered within 48 hours of the CVA including 7 (78%) antepartum, and two (22%) intrapartum. Cesarean deliveries were performed in 11/16 women (69%) including 8/10 with CVAs occurring antepartum, 1/2 intrapartum and 2/4 postpartum. One case of neonatal mortality was identified in a patient who was delivered at 24 gestational weeks.

Conclusions: (1) Hypertensive disorders and smoking were the most important factors associated with CVA during pregnancy. (2) Maternal mortality was high among patients with CVA during pregnancy. (3) Neonatal outcome was considered generally good in cases of CVA.