When does preeclampsia become eclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. It typically develops after the 20th week of gestation. The transition from preeclampsia to eclampsia is specifically marked by the onset of seizures.

When a patient with preeclampsia experiences seizures, it indicates that the condition has progressed to eclampsia, a more severe stage that can have serious implications for both the mother and the fetus. Seizures can lead to complications such as injury, as well as jeopardizing the health of the mother and the unborn child, making prompt medical intervention crucial.

Hypertension, edema, or protein levels alone do not signify the transition to eclampsia. While these symptoms are associated with preeclampsia, it is the occurrence of seizures that clearly defines the progression to eclampsia. Therefore, the correct identification of this transition is critical in the management and treatment of affected patients.