What is preeclampsia/ecclampsia?

➢ The development of hypertension, accompanied by proteinuria and edema in the third trimester of pregnancy, is referred to as preeclampsia. ➢ This syndrome occurs in 5% to 10% of pregnancies, particularly with first pregnancies in women older than 35 years. ➢ In those severely affected, seizures may occur, and the symptom complex is then termed eclampsia. ➢ Prompt therapy early in the course aborts the associated organ changes, with all abnormalities resolving promptly after delivery or after cesarean section. ➢ Recognition and early treatment of preeclampsia have now made eclampsia, particularly fatal eclampsia, rare.