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Pathophysiology of Eclampsia Explained

Eclampsia is a condition characterized by seizures in pregnant women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Predisposing factors include chronic hypertension and diabetes, while precipitating factors include lifestyle and diet. Peripheral and vascular vasospasm caused by increased cardiac output leads to increased blood pressure and reduced blood supply to organs like the liver, kidneys, and placenta. This can result in ischemia, retinal constriction, proteinuria, fluid shifts, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and increased cerebral irritability—potentially causing seizures. Without treatment, fetal and maternal death can occur. Treatment aims to prevent further complications and fetal death.

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823 views5 pages

Pathophysiology of Eclampsia Explained

Eclampsia is a condition characterized by seizures in pregnant women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Predisposing factors include chronic hypertension and diabetes, while precipitating factors include lifestyle and diet. Peripheral and vascular vasospasm caused by increased cardiac output leads to increased blood pressure and reduced blood supply to organs like the liver, kidneys, and placenta. This can result in ischemia, retinal constriction, proteinuria, fluid shifts, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and increased cerebral irritability—potentially causing seizures. Without treatment, fetal and maternal death can occur. Treatment aims to prevent further complications and fetal death.

Uploaded by

hailleyann
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ECLAMPSIA

Definition: Eclampsia is the occurrence of generalized convulsion and/ or coma in the setting of pre-eclampsia, with no other

neurological condition.

Predisposing factors Precipitating factors

>Chro nic hypertension >Lifestyle

>Diabetes milletus > Diet


(pregestational)

> Age, Sex


Sensitivity to Angiotensin II

Peripheral and vascular vasospasm caused by increased


cardiac output

Increased blood pressure


rerrepprepressure

Reduced blood supply


Poor placental perfusion Ischemia in liver and
Vasospasm of kidney Eyes
pancreas

Retinal constriction
Reduce fetal nutrient and
Increase Blood flow
oxygen supply s/sx: resistance
>epigastric pain S/sx:

>nausea >Blurred vision


Glomerular degeneration
Fetal death >Vomiting

>Elevated amylase and


creatinine ratio
Reversible blindness

Increase permeability of
glomerular membrane

Serum protein albumin and Decrease glomerular filtration


globulin escape in urine
S/sx: Decrease urine output and
clearance of creatinine
Proteinuria (30ml/hr)

Fluid shift from


Increase Na reabsorption
intracellular to
extracellular

Increase water retention

S/sx: lower extremities


edema

Extreme edema (Generalized body edema)

Lungs Brain Heart


S/Sx;
Pulmonary edema Cerebral edema Cardiac heart failure
Blurred vision

Severe headache

Cerebral congestion S/Sx;

Reflexes
(hyperactive)

Ankle clonus

Increase cerebral irritability

Seizures

If treated: If not treated:

Prevent fetal death FETAL DEATH AND


MATERNAL DEATH
Legend:

Signs and symptom present in patient

Book base signs and symptoms

References:

Adele. Maternal & Child Health Nursing: Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family. 5th Edition. Philippines: Lippincott

Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

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