| Eclampsia is the natural progression of preeclampsia without delivery, which leads to seizures that may be severe and endanger both mother and child if untreated.
History and physical examination of an eclamptic mother reveals headaches, visual scotomata, and upper abdominal pain, which precede onset of seizures.
Complications of eclampsia include the risk of maternal and fetal death. There is a 65% risk of preeclampsia and 2% risk of eclampsia in subsequent pregnancies.
Treatment of eclampsia includes delivery, with induction as soon as the mother is stable. MgSO4 and IV diazepam are used to control seizures. The patient should receive labetalol or hydralazine IV for control of blood pressure, and following delivery for 48 hours, magnesium sulfate should be continued, as 25% of seizures occur within the first 24 hours after birth. |