Traumatic Macroglossia Complicating Eclampsia in a Low Resource-setting

Abstract

Orofacial injuries are well-documented complications of eclampsia and other convulsive episodes. Tongue laceration and its sequel tongue oedema and airway obstruction in eclampsia patients is a serious but highly preventable complication. It increases morbidity and mortality from eclampsia; and some of the effects such as slurred speech, speech defects persist even after complete resolution of eclampsia and other associated complications of
severe pre-eclampsia. We describe three cases of women with tongue laceration complicated by oedema following eclamptic fits. The women had varying outcomes and associated morbidities which persisted after resolution of the precursor eclampsia. Tongue laceration and oedema must be prevented. Eclamptic patients must be assessed for tongue laceration at the time of presentation at the healthcare facility for the prevention, early identification, prompt management; and prevention of oedema and attending complications.