Diagnosis and Treatment of Eclampsia

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect approximately 5% to 10% of pregnant women. Eclampsia is a serious hypertensive disorder that is primarily characterized by the onset of grand mal seizure activity in the absence of other causative conditions. While eclampsia is diagnosed clinically, laboratory tests are recommended to assess for complications. Treatment strategies for eclampsia focus on controlling seizures and managing hypertension. Acute care during a seizure is critical because of the need for immediate medical interventions, including the management of the airway, breathing, and circulation, as well as ensuring the safety of the patient during convulsions. Magnesium sulfate is the preferred anticonvulsant drug. Care must be taken during administration to prevent magnesium toxicity. Antihypertensive drugs used in eclampsia include labetalol, hydralazine and nifedipine. The definitive treatment of eclampsia is delivery. Close monitoring of both mother and fetus is important to identify any indications for delivery. The timing and mode of delivery depend on obstetric indications, the severity of eclampsia, the gestational age of the fetus, and the overall clinical status of the patient. Neuraxial anesthesia is the anesthesia of choice for conscious, seizure-free, and with stable vital signs women undergoing cesarean section.