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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Neurological complications of eclampsia
I M Sawhney1, A V Subrahmanyan, C P Das
1Dept. of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|June 22, 2000
Summary
Neurological complications like diffuse encephalopathy and EEG abnormalities are common in eclampsia patients, often occurring antenatally. CT scans may reveal cerebral edema or infarcts, highlighting the need for comprehensive neurological evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures.
- Neurological manifestations are frequent in eclampsia, impacting patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate neurological complications in eclampsia patients.
- To assess clinical, radiological, and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 39 eclampsia patients.
- Neurological examinations, EEG recordings, and CT scans (for selected patients) were performed.
- Maternal and fetal outcomes were documented.
Main Results:
- Most patients (92%) experienced seizures antenatally.
- Common neurological findings included diffuse encephalopathy (23.1%) and hemiparesis (10.2%).
- EEG abnormalities were present in 74% of patients, with generalized slowing being most frequent. CT scans revealed abnormalities in 10 cases, including cerebral edema and infarcts.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal seizures are predominant in eclampsia (>90%).
- Diffuse encephalopathy and generalized EEG slowing are common neurological and electrophysiological findings.
- While cerebral edema is frequent, focal infarcts can also occur, necessitating thorough radiological assessment.
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