Eclampsia: modern outlook on prevention and treatment

This is a review article. Eclampsia is an almost preventable condition. The ratio of prostacycline and thromboxane is reversed in patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Lipid peroxides are also increased during pregnancy and there is lack of invasion of the spiral arteries by trophoblasts, particularly the second wave. A good predictive test is urgently needed to detect patients who are at risk of developing these conditions later in their pregnancy. Low-dose aspirin is a promising preventive therapy in this group of women. Until we have good means of preventing preeclampsia and eclampsia, supportive care in treatment must be improved. Essential obstetric care (EOC) at all levels of health services should be established to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from this condition, and the community educated and mobilized to respond appropriately in time of need.