Eclampsia

Question 1

What is pre-eclampsia?

Answer 1

condition seen after 20 weeks gestation
pregnancy-induced hypertension
proteinuria

Question 2

What is eclampsia?

Answer 2

the development of seizures in association with pre-eclampsia

Question 3

How is eclampsia treated?

Answer 3

Magnesium sulphate - used to both prevent seizures in patients with severe pre-eclampsia and treat seizures once they develop

1. Should be given once a decision to deliver has been made
2. IV bolus of 4g over 5-10 minutes should be given followed by an infusion of 1g / hour
3. Urine output, reflexes, respiratory rate and oxygen saturations should be monitored during treatment
4. Treatment should continue for 24 hours after last seizure or delivery (around 40% of seizures occur post-partum)

Question 4

What is a risk associated with magnesium sulphate use?

Answer 4

Respiratory depression

Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment for magnesium sulphate induced respiratory depression

Question 5

Apart from magnesium sulphate, what is an important step in treating eclampsia?

Answer 5

fluid restriction to avoid the potentially serious consequences of fluid overload