[Eclampsia]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2010 Apr;29(4):e75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2010.02.021. Epub 2010 Mar 27.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Eclampsia, the major neurological complication of preeclampsia, is defined as a convulsive episode, or any other sign of an altered consciousness, arising in a setting of preeclampsia, and which cannot be attributed to any other preexisting neurological condition. Convulsive episodes have been described up to 15 days post-partum. Visual disturbances (cortical blindness) are common and must be considered as the equivalent of a convulsive crisis. In case of doubt, the gold standard investigation is the performing of a diffusion weighted MRI. The management of women suffering a convulsive episode is the same as in any other generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Magnesium sulfate as a loading dose followed by a continuous infusion is the most effective way for preventing a relapse associated with blood-pressure normalization. Magnesium sulfate infusion must be maintained for 24 hours following the last convulsive episode.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Guideline
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Eclampsia / drug therapy
  • Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Eclampsia / physiopathology
  • Eclampsia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Pre-Eclampsia / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Risk Factors
  • Tocolytic Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Magnesium Sulfate