Eclampsia occurs when a pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia presents a seizure.
Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxaemia, is a pathology characterised by
hypertension and proteinuria. Eclampsia is a serious life-threatening condition for
the mother and her child. A number of different anticonvulsants are used to control
eclamptic seizures and to prevent further seizures.
Key messages
􀃎 Magnesium sulphate is a more appropriate anticonvulsant for women with
eclampsia. The use of lytic cocktail should be discouraged.
􀃎 Magnesium sulphate for the treatment of eclampsia reduces foetal and infant
mortality by 55%.