| Aspect | Preeclampsia | Eclampsia |
| Definition | A condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. | The development of seizures in a woman with severe preeclampsia. |
| Occurrence | Usually after the 20th week of gestation, can develop post-delivery. | Occurs in the context of severe preeclampsia. |
| Risk Factors | 1. First pregnancy 2. pregnant teens 3. women over 40 4. history of hypertension | 1. Severe preeclampsia 2. previous history of eclampsia |
| Symptoms | 1. Hypertension 2. proteinuria (>0.3g/24 hr) 3. swelling, headaches 4. visual disturbances | 1. Seizures 2. severe headaches 3. visual disturbances 4. upper abdominal pain 5. altered mental status. |
| Diagnosis | Elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, blood tests for kidney and liver function. | Observation of seizures in addition to symptoms and signs of severe preeclampsia. |
| Management | 1. Close monitoring 2. corticosteroids for foetal lung maturity 3. magnesium sulphate to prevent seizures 4. antihypertensives like Labetalol | 1. Immediate delivery of the baby 2. Magnesium sulphate to control seizures 3. antihypertensive 4. supportive care |
| Prognosis | Can be managed conservatively until delivery if mild. | High mortality (2%) and morbidity if not managed promptly. |
| Complications | Can lead to eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, organ damage. | Can lead to permanent brain damage, organ failure, death of mother and baby. |
| Prevention | Regular prenatal care, early detection and management of hypertension. | Preventing the progression of preeclampsia through timely medical intervention. |
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