[Anticonvulsive therapy in eclampsia--its current status]

Conflicting opinions on the adequate and appropriate anticonvulsive therapy for eclampsia stems from the fact that a lot of unclarity still exists as per the reasons for eclamptic seizures. The authors reviews current data from literature on the problem of anticonvulsive therapy for eclampsia and tries to clarify the uncertainties on the optimal approach for eclamptic seizures. Despite the fact that many neurologists in the U.S. as well as a great number of obstetricians in Europe are now sceptical about the anticonvulsive effect of magnesium sulphate and prefer other anticonvulsive agents, the parenteral application of magnesium is still the principal approach for eclampsia. There is a need however for a new strategy for prophylaxis and therapy of eclampsia. Which will lead to a significant reduction of the fatality rate in cases of grave preeclampsia-eclampsia.