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Eclampsia Causes and Risks:
The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Eclampsia may follow preeclampsia , if the condition cannot be brought under control. It is difficult to predict which preeclamptic women may go on to have seizures , the hallmark of eclampsia. There is poor correlation between the degree of hypertension present and the ultimate occurrence of seizures.
The exact cause of preeclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes range from genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel) and neurological factors. None of the theories has yet been proven. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. The incidence of eclampsia is approximately 1 out of 1,500 pregnancies. An increased risk for pre-eclampsia is associated with first time pregnancies, teenage pregnancies or mothers older than 40 years, African-American women, multiple pregnancies, and women with a history of diabetes , hypertension, or renal (kidney) disease.
Prevention:
Although there are currently no known preventive methods, it is important for all pregnant women to obtain early and ongoing prenatal care. This allows for the early recognition and treatment of conditions such as preeclampsia . Adequate treatment of preeclampsia may prevent eclampsia from presenting itself.
Symptoms:
ECLAMPSIA PREECLAMPSIA
Signs and Tests:
ECLAMPSIA - Involuntary movements (tonic-clonic) occur.
- The relaxation phase of deep-tendon reflexes may be prolonged.
- Breathing ( respiration ) may cease for brief period ( apnea ).
- Physical evidence of trauma may be noted.
- Infrequently, an eye examination may note retinal changes caused by hypertension .
PREECLAMPSIA These diseases may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
Because the risk of eclampsia is unpredictable and often not easily correlated to physical signs such as the degree of hypertension or proteinuria , an anticonvulsant ( seizure prevention medication) is usually given to women in labor with hypertension. Magnesium sulfate is a safe drug for both the mother and the fetus when used to prevent seizures .
The treatment of women with preeclampsia is bedrest and delivery as soon as viable for the fetus. Patients are usually hospitalized but occasionally may be managed on an outpatient basis with careful monitoring of blood pressure , urine checks for protein , and weight. Optimally, the condition is managed until delivery after 36 weeks can occur.
Delivery may be induced if any of the following occur: Delivery is the treatment of choice for eclampsia in a pregnancy over 28 weeks. For pregnancies less than 24 weeks, the induction of labor is recommended, although the likelihood of a viable fetus is minimal. Prolonging such pregnancies results in maternal complications as well as infant death in approximately 87% of the cases. Pregnancies between 24 and 28 weeks gestation present a "gray zone," and conservative management may be attempted, with monitoring for the presentation of maternal and fetal complications.
Prognosis:
Maternal deaths caused by preeclampsia or eclampsia are rare in the U.S. Fetal or perinatal deaths are high and generally decrease as the maturity of the fetus increases. The risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia in subsequent pregnancies is approximately 33%. Preeclampsia does not appear to lead to chronic high blood pressure in women.
Complications:
Preeclampsia may develop into eclampsia, the occurrence of seizures . Eclampsia may lead to complications from trauma or even death. The risk for placenta abruptio is increased with preeclampsia and/or eclampsia. Fetal complications caused by prematurity at the time of delivery may occur.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if any symptoms of eclampsia or preeclampsia occur during pregnancy . Emergency symptoms include seizures or decreased consciousness .
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