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 | Â 1. First pregnancy
 2. pregnant teens  3. women over 40  4. history of hypertension |
 1. Severe preeclampsia
 2. previous history of eclampsia |
Symptoms | Â 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 | Â 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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