gynecology and obstetrics
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Introduction
Preeclampsiais new-onset or worsening of existing hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation.Eclampsiais unexplained generalized seizures in patients with preeclampsia. Diagnosis is by measuring blood pressure and urine protein and by tests to evaluate for end-organ damage (eg, pulmonary edema, impaired liver or kidney function). Treatment is usually with IV magnesium sulfate and delivery at term or earlier for maternal or fetal complications. Preeclampsia affects 3 to 7% of pregnant women. Preeclampsia and eclampsia develop after 20 weeks gestation; up to 25% of cases develop postpartum, most often within the first 4 days but sometimes up to 6 weeks postpartum. Untreated preeclampsia is present for a variable time, then can suddenly progress to eclampsia, which occurs in 1/200 patients with preeclampsia. Untreated eclampsia is usually fatal. 