Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, developing eclampsia – a case study

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are important causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, and morbidity as well in developed as in developing countries, as well. According to the world literature, approximately 35-46% of women with gestational hypertension with onset less than 20 weeks, develop pre-eclampsia; less than 10% will develop eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a condition representing a severe obstetric morbidity that manifests the symptoms of hypertension and/or proteinuria-the single, leading, identifiable risk factor in pregnancy associated with stillbirth and fetal growth disturbance. This case report describes hypertensive disorders developed in eclampsia in 21-year old patient in a 32nd week of pregnancy, with a high risk factors. This progression of pre-eclampsia into life threatening situation was the result mainly from both the incorrect diagnosis and treatment performed by general practitioner. The patient was referred to this general practitioner one week earlier, suffering with high blood pressure levels, headache and visual disturbance. (Clin Exp Med Lett 2009; 50(2):121-124)

Keywords: Pre-Eclampsia, Eclampsia, hypertensive disorders, Proteinuria, Pregnancy