Prevention of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

The precise pathogenesis of convulsions with the preeclampsia syndrome is enigmatic, the two prevailing schemes are vasospasm with ischemia and hypertensive encephalopathy. Eclampsia prevention can be primary by preventing worsening of preeclampsia; it can be secondary by using agents to prevent convulsions in women with established preeclampsia; and it can be tertiary by preventing recurrent convulsions in women with eclampsia. The decision to use secondary prophylaxis would in some regards depend on the likelihood of eclamptic convulsions in women with preeclampsia. Thus the use Magnesium Sulfate is used in mild and severe preeclampsia. The primary objective of magnesium sulfate prophylaxis in women with preeclampsia is to prevent or reduce the rate of eclampsia and associated complications. Other benefits include reduced maternal and perinatal mortalities and morbidities. In addition, in women with mild preeclampsia, a secondary benefit might include a decreased rate of progression to severe preeclampsia.