The Indian College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ICOG), the academic outfit of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), has formed the National Eclampsia Registry.
The objective is to eradicate Eclampsia which is an abnormal rise of blood pressure during pregnancy which can lead to convulsions and may also kill the woman. As per estimates, the maternal mortality rate in India is more than 400 per 1,00,000 live births, where hypertension during pregnancy is a contributory factor.
According to Dr Sanjay Gupte, secretary ICOG & National Co-ordinator for the registry, "Eclampsia is preventable. In order to highlight the prevalence and standardization of treatment practices the registry was created as a first step to identify the incidence, understand the prevalent practices and evolve standard practice protocols. Through the registry, workshops will be conducted at periodic intervals for knowledge update of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Public awareness programmes will also be undertaken across the country."
Similar initiatives in UK have helped manage Eclampsia related complications and deaths. According to UK Obstetrics Surveillance System (UKOSS), there was a fall in incidence of Eclampsia from 4.9/10,000 cases (1992 national survey) to 2.7/10,000 cases (2005-2006 UKOSS). According to British Journal of Gynaecology, Dr. Martin Knight, Senior Clinical Research Fellow (University of Oxford and UKOSS), "This National study has shown that nearly 50% fewer women are affected by eclampsia in the country compared to 1992. We all know that the Indian figures are much higher but up-till now we did not have standard management protocol," he added.
The National Eclampsia Registry (India) initiative has been undertaken under the able guidance of Dr. Narendra Malhotra, president of FOGSI, Dr C N Purandare, secretary general FOGSI, Dr Usha Saraiyya, chairman ICOG and Dr Duru Shah vice-chairman ICOG. Wanbury Limited, a pharma company has extended its support to the registry.
The Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) is the largest medical practitioners organization today and has over 250 societies and 25000 gynecologists as members. The Indian College Of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ICOG), the academic outfit of the FOGSI helps in achieving academic standardization in clinical practice. The Registry will also undertake programs including of workshops for healthcare providers and public awareness programs which will help to solve the problem while it is being identified.