[Present day status in therapy of toxemia of pregnancy (author's transl)]

Since the causes of toxemia of pregnancy are unknown, therapy is still symptomatic and is now determined by the most recent knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. Rest, a balanced, predominantly protein-rich diet and avoidance of stress are recommended as prophylactic treatment of toxemia of pregnancy in patients with a predisposition of the condition. Early recognition of the symptoms of toxemia of pregnancy is of great importance. Treatment of mild cases consists of bed rest, possibly supplemented by sedatives and a preponderantly proteinrich diet. Administration of diuretics is obsolete and sodium restriction is no longer recommended. Antihypertensives are seldom indicated. Overweight women are no longer maintained on specially low calorie diets. Severe cases of toxemia of pregnancy must be trated as inpatients under intensive care. Principles of treatment are: 1. Prevention of seizures (by sedation). 2. Improvement of the general condition of the women (especially circulation and renal function). 3. Delivery at an opportune time for mother and child. Treatment of eclampsia follows largely the same principles. In these cases, immediate delivery is required regardless of the condition of the fetus.