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Eclampsia - Eclampsia symptom, treatment, causes

Eclampsia is a very rare disease but it is a dangerous complication of pregnancy characterised by very high blood pressure. oedema (accumulation of excessive fluid in tissues), protein in the urine and seizures. Eclampsia occurs in late pregnancy, during labour, or within the first week after delivery. and is an advanced stage of pregnancy-ducedhypertension (pih - previously called toxaemia of pregnancy) that has not been detected and treated. The cause is unknown.

Eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy and is characterised by convulsions. Key warning signs of eclampsia in a woman diagnosed with preeclampsia may be severe headaches, blurred or double vision, or seeing spots. Toxemia is a common name used to describe preeclampsia and eclampsia. The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Researchers believe a person's genes, diet, blood vessels, and neurological factors may play a role. Eclampsia is the final and most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. Eclampsia can cause coma and even death of the mother and baby and can occur before, during or after childbirth. Epilepsy does not cause eclampsia. Epilepsy is a long-term condition caused by overexcitement of nerve cells in the brain and is usually associated with changes in consciousness and involuntary muscle movements. If pre-eclampsia occurs in a first pregnancy, then it may on occasions recur in subsequent pregnancies, particularly if a woman is carrying a multiple pregnancy, or has one of several chronic medical disorders, such as hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, or lupus and other similar autoantibody diseases. A woman with eclampsia should be continously monitored. Delivery is the treatment of choice for eclampsia in a pregnancy over 28 weeks. For pregnancies less than 24 weeks, the start of labor is recommended, although the baby may not survive. 

Causes of Eclampsia

The common causes and risk factor's of Eclampsia include the following:

• The exact causes of eclampsia are not known.
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Previous history of eclampsia.
• Carrying more than one baby.
• History of diabetes, hypertension, or renal (kidney) disease.
• Obesity prior to pregnancy.

Symptoms of Eclampsia

Warnings of pre-eclampsia, which may develop into eclampsia, are severe headaches, blurred vision, confusion and increasing oedema, associated with raised blood pressure and protein in the urine. Premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus is common, leading to vaginal bleeding before labour begins (called ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE). Full-blown eclampsia is marked by generalised seizures and signs of liver and kidney damage such as jaundice and reduced urine output, and may progress to coma and death of the mother and foetus. Some sign and symptoms related to Eclampsia are as follows:

• Seizures.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Unconsciousness.
• Abdominal pain.
• Decreased production of urine.
• Muscle aches and pains. 
• Nausea and vomiting .
• Swelling of the arms or face.

Treatment of Eclampsia

Treatment of Eclampsia is aimed at preserving the life and health of the mother. If this is achieved the foetus usualJy also survives. The patient is admitted to hospital for intensive care monitoring; md intra-venous administration of fluids to correct salt and water balance, as well as drugs to reduce blood pressure and control seizures. Once the mother's condition has been stabilised, the baby is delivered, usually by emergency caesarean section. After delivery the mother's condition generally improves but constant monitoring must be continued for 2 weeks after delivery, and at least every 2 weeks for 2 months after discharge from hospital. Here is list of the methods to treat Eclampsia:

• The treatment for eclampsia is bedrest and delivery as soon as it is safe for the fetus.
• Women may be given medicine to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant). Medication may be used to lower the high blood pressure. Magnesium sulfate is a safe drug for both the mother and the baby.
• Medications such as oxytocin (Pitocin) or prostaglandins are given to induce labor and ripen your cervix. A Foley catheter is sometimes placed in the cervix to mechanically "speed" the dilation process.
• Monitoring fluid intake.

Prevention of Eclampsia

Regular antenatal checking to enable early recognition and treatment of PIH has resulted in a significant reduction of maternal deaths from eclampsia over the last 50 years.