Pre-eclampsia Day : How is it different from Eclampsia?

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What is the major difference between Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?

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Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia, characterized by the onset of seizures (convulsions) in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia, typically after 20 weeks of gestation. It’s a life-threatening condition for both mother and fetus, requiring immediate medical attention.

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The major difference is that pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure and signs of organ damage (like protein in urine) during pregnancy, while eclampsia is when seizures occur on top of pre-eclampsia, making it a life-threatening complication.

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Pre- eclampsia is a global problem, with an incidence of approx 5 % pregnancies developing this serious issue. Pre- eclampsia + development of seizures = Eclampsia.
Pre- eclampsia (older name being Pre-eclamptic Toxemia / PET) can cause seriousness in mother as well as the fetus.
Also, remember HELLP Syndrome that can develop in a minor percentage of women with pre- eclampsia.
#Eclampsia #PreEclampsia #Perinatology

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Eclampsia is essentially Pre-eclampsia with seizures thus making it a more severe condition.

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The major difference is seizures:

  1. Pre-eclampsia: High blood pressure with proteinuria (or other organ dysfunction) during pregnancy, but no seizures

  2. Eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia with seizures not attributable to other causes

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Pre-eclampsia cause the high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems,

Whereas, eclampsia is a severe progression of preeclampsia, marked by seizures in a pregnant woman.

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Pre-eclampsia is like a warning sign during pregnancy — it’s when a woman develops high blood pressure and protein in her urine after 20 weeks. It means the body is under stress, especially the blood vessels and kidneys, and if left untreated, it can cause serious problems for both mother and baby.

Eclampsia is what happens if that warning sign gets ignored or worsens — it’s when seizures (convulsions) occur in a woman with pre-eclampsia. These seizures can be life-threatening and need immediate medical attention.

So, in simple terms:
Pre-eclampsia is the “red flag” with high blood pressure and protein in urine; eclampsia is the “emergency” when seizures happen because of that problem.

It’s a reminder of how important it is to monitor blood pressure and symptoms closely during pregnancy — catching pre-eclampsia early can prevent the dangerous step to eclampsia.

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After 20 week of pregnancy, loss of protein with high blood pressure is called pre eclampsia
If it’s remained untreated then it can led to GTCS lasting more than a minute is called eclampsia

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