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AJP Rep 2013; 03(01): 013-016
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1329127
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Does Preeclampsia Predict the Risk of Late Postpartum Eclampsia?

Diana S. Wolfe
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Shauna F. Williams
2   University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
,
Michael G. Ross
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Marie H. Beall
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Joseph J. Apuzzio
2   University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 June 2012

25 June 2012

Publication Date:
25 January 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To investigate potential predictive symptoms of late postpartum eclampsia (LPE).

Study Design Retrospective review of patients delivered at a single academic medical center and diagnosed with eclampsia greater than 48 hours postdelivery.

Results Among 19 patients with eclampsia, 5 (26%) patients with confirmed eclampsia seized greater than 48 hours after delivery. None of these patients showed evidence of preeclampsia intrapartum or immediately postpartum and none received intrapartum magnesium sulfate. Prior to seizure activity, 4 of 5 (80%) patients had increased blood pressure and 2 of 5 (40%) had central nervous system symptoms (headache and visual changes).

Conclusion Gestational hypertension (GHTN) may be a risk factor for LPE. Consideration of seizure prophylaxis for patients with GHTN may facilitate the prevention of LPE.

Keywords

postpartum eclampsia - atypical eclampsia - eclampsia - late postpartum eclampsia (LPE)

Note

This research was presented at the 2010 ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting in San Francisco, California.


 

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