Eclampsia

Abstract

The incidence of eclampsia has decreased over the past two decades. Proper prenatal care with early identification and hospitalization of patients with mild pre-eclampsia is responsible for this reduction. Modifications of current obstetrics teachings designed to heighten awareness of the risk of both midtrimester and late-postpartum eclampsia could further reduce its occurrence. However, there will always be a small number of women in whom eclampsia is not preventable. Eclamptic patients should be counseled regarding the increased risk of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia in their sisters and daughters as well as their increased risk for both recurrence of the disease and perinatal death in subsequent pregnancies.