Management of severe preeclampsia and eclampsia

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a disorder of unknown etiology unique to pregnant women. Classic clinical manifestations include hypertension, proteinuria, and edema. Early recognition and proper management of this disease may serve to avoid serious maternal complications. Ultimate maternal treatment depends on delivery of the fetus and placenta. Advanced stages of this disease result in multi-organ system dysfunction that may be life-threatening to the mother and her fetus. Such maternal complications of PIH include severe hypertension, oliguria or anuria, HELLP syndrome, eclamptic seizures, liver rupture, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and abruptio placentae. A multidisciplinary approach of the critical care team often will effect a reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality.