Etymed
eclampsia
Definition
A serious complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures and high blood pressure
Clinical context
A 28-year-old pregnant woman at 34 weeks gestation presents to the emergency department with a seizure episode. She has a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension and is now presenting with severe headaches, visual disturbances, and elevated blood pressure. On examination, she is unconscious with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Her blood pressure is 160/110 mmHg and urine dipstick shows proteinuria. The patient requires immediate delivery and anticonvulsant therapy to prevent maternal and fetal mortality.
Mnemonic
Eclampsia = E=Seizures, C=High BP, L=Loss of consciousness, A=Proteinuria, M=Maternal/fetal complications, P=Postpartum risk, S=Severe condition