Eclampsia

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Eclampsia is a serious condition that can occur in mothers when preeclampsia is out of control or cannot be resolved. In the developed world, this condition is rare because most cases of exacerbation of preeclampsia are detected before reaching this point.

However, it is estimated that about 2000 in every 3000-1 pregnant women will remain eclamptic. Most cases of eclampsia occur between 20-20 weeks before very th week of pregnancy.

Eclampsia is classified as an obstetric emergency where the well-being of the mother and her baby may be compromised. It can also be life-threatening, so immediate access to an obstetric hospital and specialized medical care is a priority.

Symptoms of eclampsia

• Blood pressure rose

• Coma or seizures (wounds); these are the defining symptoms of eclampsia

• Decreased renal function

• Symptoms of fetal discomfort where the baby's heart rate is below normal

• Platelet count is low

• Strong agitation and discomfort

• Muscle aches and pains

Without having all the symptoms of preeclampsia, some mothers may develop symptoms of eclampsia. There may be no pre-existing signs or symptoms other than elevated blood pressure. Even after childbirth, some women may have postpartum seizures and require close monitoring and medication to prevent them.

What happens in eclampsia?

• • In cases of eclampsia, the mother’s blood vessels spasm and are unable to deliver oxygen and nutrients to her body and baby. Vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain are damaged by a decrease in normal blood flow and cannot function effectively. It is common for the brain to suffer from oxygen starvation.

    Risk factors for the development of eclampsia

  • It is more common in very young pregnant women and those over 35 years of age

  • Eclampsia is more common in women who are first pregnant - Primigravidas

  • Women living in low-income socio-economic areas where other risk factors are present, such as poor nutrition and impaired access to health care (this may also be due to the fact that early detection of preeclampsia is not easily achieved)

  • Although it is not well understood how or why, it is thought that genes play a role

  • For some women, the structure and function of their brain and nervous system, more precisely, is not clear

  • Maternal diet, especially poor nutrition

  • African origin

  • Complications such as hypertension, diabetes or instability can lead to an already affected pregnancy

  • Having multiple pregnancies like twins, triplets and more

Warning signs of the development of preeclampsia

• Development of visual disturbances such as blinking lights or blurred vision

• Constant high blood pressure

• Abnormal readings in blood tests

• An indelible headache

Treatment of eclampsia

Prevention is better than cure with eclampsia. Early diagnosis by monitoring each pregnant woman during the prenatal period can help identify problems early. Checking for the presence of protein in the urine, making sure that its blood pressure is stable and not high, especially monitoring diastolic or low blood pressure, and being careful to retain fluid can help “flag” problems.

• Sometimes bed rest is recommended.

• Hospitalization is usually necessary when eclampsia is diagnosed.

• Monitoring fetal heart rate and growth. Sometimes fetal heart tracking - cardiotocography (CTG tracing) is performed. Ultrasound is a reliable and effective diagnostic tool for assessing fetal growth and development.

• Maternal blood pressure control. Hypertensive medications are often prescribed to lower blood pressure to normal and safe limits.

• Diuretics can also be prescribed to help the body get rid of excess fluid that can accumulate in the lungs.

• Anti-convulsant medication may be prescribed in installation cases. The most commonly used drug is magnesium sulfate.

The only effective treatment for severe cases of eclampsia is to stabilize the mother’s condition and stop her miscarriage. Oxygen and convulsive medications are given to maximize oxygen flow to his brain and the child. Immediate delivery of the baby by caesarean section is done even if it causes the baby to be premature.

Complications of eclampsia

• Placental abruption is a major risk factor for both preeclampsia and eclampsia

• Premature birth and the risks associated with it

• A disorder of blood clotting called diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) can occur

• In extreme cases, the death of the mother and her baby can occur, but with careful monitoring and the care of specialists, this possibility is very small.

The main goal of eclampsia treatment is to reduce the risk of harm to the mother and her baby. If possible, delivery by caesarean section should be postponed to 32-34 weeks of gestation in case of severe eclampsia. If it is rated as soft, delivery is often delayed until 36 weeks or later. Balancing the risk of maternal harm with premature birth is the most important factor in the treatment of eclampsia.

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