Evaluation of the Cerebrovascular Diseases during Pregnancy and Postpartum

Background and Aim: Pregnancy and postpartum are critical periods for patients with neurological complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of pregnant women with cerebrovascular disorders. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study reviewed pregnant women with cerebrovascular signs and symptoms, who were registered in the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC) database of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences ۲۰۱۳-۱۵. A questionnaire was designed to record each patient’s information including demographic variables, past medical history, clinical presentation, obstetric profile, and fetal/maternal outcomes. Results: Totally ۲۹ mother with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), ۳ mother with ischemic stroke and ۸ mother with cerebral hem­orrhage were registered in the database. ۵۰% of Unilateral neurological symptoms were initiated in the third postpartum period. Gestational hypertensive disorders and diabetes were observed in ۱۵% and ۷.۵% of the patients. About ۷۳% of neonates were born healthy at term. Twenty-one percent of neonates were born by NVD and ۷۹% via C/S. Abortion, preterm delivery, and stillbirth oc­curred in ۲.۵%, ۵%, and ۷.۵% of our patients, respectively.   Conclusion: Unilateral neurological symptoms were more common in the third trimester and postpartum period. Consequently, observation and follow-up of mothers during postpartum, period has important role in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases.

Keywords:

Cerebrovascular trauma , Postpartum period , Pregnancy