Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Condition Description

Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy (occurring no earlier than 20 weeks of gestation), characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and edema. It occurs more often in women with chronic somatic diseases, as well as those under 18 or over 35 years old. The exact cause of this pathology is still unknown.

Eclampsia is a severe progression of preeclampsia, accompanied by seizures of no other origin. It is considered one of the most serious pregnancy complications, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Preeclampsia develops in 3—7% of pregnant women (according to WHO) and can also occur in the postpartum period: up to 25% of cases develop within the first 4-6 weeks after delivery.

Symptoms that require urgent diagnosis and treatment

In addition to the classic triad of preeclampsia symptoms (high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema), a pregnant woman may present with secondary signs of the condition: headache, nausea and vomiting, oliguria (reduced urine output), vision disturbances, drowsiness, and dry cough.

There are no subjective symptoms at the onset of the pathology. The appearance of the above signs indicates a severe course of preeclampsia, which, without adequate treatment, can quickly progress to eclampsia.

Diagnostic and Treatment Methods

Diagnosis

Patients with suspected preeclampsia in leading global clinics are offered a comprehensive diagnostic program, which includes:

• Complete laboratory testing
• Fetal and uteroplacental ultrasound examination
• Doppler ultrasound (to assess blood flow through the placenta)
• Consultations with specialists, primarily an ophthalmologist (to check intraocular pressure)

Treatment

Mild preeclampsia in leading clinics is treated using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. If the pregnant woman’s condition worsens and progresses to eclampsia, an emergency delivery (urgent cesarean section) is indicated.

Innovations in Leading Global Clinics

To prevent the development and progression of preeclampsia, a predictive approach is applied, based on detecting anti-angiogenic factors and the TGF-beta receptor cofactor, which serve as biomarkers for preeclampsia.