Eclampsia

First Things First

  • Eclampsia is defined by new-onset grand mal seizures in a woman with preeclampsia.
  • Stop the seizure: magnesium sulfate 6 gm IV bolus is preferred treatment; other choices include benzodiazepines or barbiturates
  • Evaluate airway, breathing, circulation.
  • Preeclampsia is defined by
    • Onset after 20 weeks’ gestation
    • Hypertension: >140 systolic or 90 diastolic
    • Proteinuria: 1+ on dipstick or 300 mg/24 hours
  • Severe preeclampsia (presence of any of the following)
    • Hypertension: >160 systolic or 110 diastolic
    • Proteinuria: 3+ on dipstick or >5 gm/24 hours
    • Oliguria: <500 cc/24 hours
    • Cerebral or visual disturbances
    • Pulmonary edema
    • Epigastric or RUQ pain
    • Elevated liver enzymes
    • Thrombocytopenia
    • Fetal growth restriction
    • Oligohydramnios
  • Evaluate and/or monitor fetus.

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Last updated: April 16, 2010