Abstract
BACKGROUND: Atypical presentation of preeclampsia and eclampsia refers to cases where symptoms may not follow the typical signs of high blood pressure and proteinuria rendering them difficult to diagnose leading to potential delays in treatment. Hence our aim was to study the atypical presentations of preeclampsia and eclampsia and their possible outcomes. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted from November 2022 to April 2023 at Al Saudi Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. The study focused on pregnant women with atypical presentations of preeclampsia and eclampsia. A total of 57 participants were included using a total coverage approach. Data was collected using a pre-designed close-ended questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software and results were presented in tables and figures. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included. The majority (78.9%) were between 20 and 35 years old, and most of them (80.7%) resided in urban areas. In terms of education, 56.1% had completed secondary education. The presentation varies between edema 50.9%, epigastric pain 40.3%, headache 29.8% and visual disturbance 7%. About 49.1% of the patients received regular antenatal care. Family history of preeclampsia or eclampsia was present in only 8.8% of the participants. All participants (100%) recovered after delivery, with no reported deaths. Maternal complications included abruptio placentae (29.8%). The majority of infants (96.5%) were born alive and well, with few reported cases of preterm birth or birth asphyxia. Cesarean section was the most common mode of delivery (80.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate positive maternal and fetal outcomes in the management of atypical preeclampsia and eclampsia cases at Al Saudi Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan. The high rate of live births and low prevalence of preterm birth and birth asphyxia signify effective healthcare interventions. The study also demonstrated the association between the regularity of regularity of antenatal care visits and the patients’ risk factors for developing preeclampsia or eclampsia. Further research addressing the risk factors, complications, and long-term consequences of atypical preeclampsia and eclampsia in the Sudanese population is warranted. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-025-08484-1.