Eclampsia

Alternative names:

toxemia with seizures

Definition:

The occurrence of seizures (not attributed to another cause) during pregnancy (usually in the 3rd trimester).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Eclampsia may follow preeclampsia, if the condition cannot be brought under control. It is difficult to predict which preeclamptic women may go on to have seizures, the hallmark of eclampsia. There is poor correlation between the degree of hypertension present and the ultimate occurrence of seizures.

The exact cause of preeclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes range from genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel) and neurological factors. None of the theories has yet been proven. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. The incidence of eclampsia is approximately 1 out of 1,500 pregnancies. An increased risk for pre-eclampsia is associated with first time pregnancies, teenage pregnancies or mothers older than 40 years, African-American women, multiple pregnancies, and women with a history of diabetes, hypertension, or renal (kidney) disease.