What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Postpartum Eclamptic Seizure
• Postpartum Hypertension-Eclampsia
• Postpartum Seizure-Eclampsia

What is Postpartum Eclampsia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Postpartum Eclampsia is the rare occurrence of seizures in a woman soon after childbirth. Apart from seizures, it is also characterized by high blood pressure, protein in urine, and edema
• These are typically noted between 48 hours (early-onset) to one week (late-onset) post-delivery. Postpartum Eclampsia can be a severe condition that leads to stroke, brain damage, and liver and/or kidney failure
• The risk factors for the condition may include preeclampsia or chronic high blood pressure. However, it has been reported that about one-third of those who experience Postpartum Eclampsia, have no prior history of high blood pressure
• Postpartum Eclampsia is generally treated with medications to control the high blood pressure and seizures. Proper postnatal care can lead to early detection and management of Postpartum Eclampsia, thereby preventing complications that may even be life-threatening

Who gets Postpartum Eclampsia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Postpartum Eclampsia is an uncommon condition that usually occurs within 2-7 days following delivery of the baby. However, some cases have been reported after a period of 6-8 weeks post-delivery
• Postpartum Eclampsia is reported worldwide, but is more common in women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with poor healthcare access
• Eclampsia occurs in less than 0.2% of all pregnancies. Of these cases, 14-33% occur after delivery of the baby

What are the Risk Factors for Postpartum Eclampsia? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Postpartum Eclampsia may include:

• Expectant mother being diagnosed with preeclampsia
• Fetal demise in a previous pregnancy
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Multiple pregnancies in the past; more than one fetus (such as twins, triplets, etc.)
• Obesity
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• History of hypertension before pregnancy
• Living in underdeveloped countries with no or minimal access to prenatal health care

What are the Causes of Postpartum Eclampsia? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Postpartum Eclampsia is not well-understood
• It is theorized that blood vessel abnormalities in the placenta, in combination with the demand from a developing fetus causes injury to the blood vessels of the mother, which may lead to preeclampsia. This process initiated during pregnancy is manifested in the mother soon after delivery

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Eclampsia?

The signs and symptoms of Postpartum Eclampsia may include:

• Seizures
• Irritability
• Unconsciousness

The above signs and symptoms may be preceded by, and/or coexist with the following:

• High blood pressure
• Edema
• Protein in urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain under the ribs on the right side
• Persistent or gradually worsening headache
• Blurred vision; sensitivity to light
• Confusion

How is Postpartum Eclampsia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Postpartum Eclampsia is made on the basis of the following tests and exams:

• A thorough physical examination
• Assessment of signs and symptoms, particularly noting for:
  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure (over 140/90 mm/Hg) 
  • Edema
• Evaluation of personal and family history of high blood pressure and preeclampsia
• Blood tests that may include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC) 
  • Hematocrit
  • Blood creatinine levels
  • Checking uric acid levels
  • Blood clotting tests
  • Liver enzymes
• Urine tests for checking protein in urine
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain (of the mother) to assess for any damage

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Postpartum Eclampsia?

The potential complications of Postpartum Eclampsia include:

• Blindness
• Aspiration pneumonia due to seizures
• Intracranial bleeding 
• Rupture of liver
• Kidney failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Stroke
• Coma

How is Postpartum Eclampsia Treated?

The options for treatment of Postpartum Eclampsia may include the following:

• Administration of anticonvulsant medications, such as magnesium sulfate, to control seizures
• Medication to reduce blood pressure: The various medications used to lower blood pressure include alpha blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, central alpha agonists, diuretics, and vasodilators, among others

Note: When a woman is having a seizure in Postpartum Eclampsia, protecting her airway and tongue, maintenance of airway patency (keeping the airway open), and prevention of aspiration should be the first priority.

How can Postpartum Eclampsia be Prevented?

• Seeking prenatal care during pregnancy; seeking continual care throughout pregnancy is highly recommended and advised for the prevention of preeclampsia. This can help prevent Postpartum Eclampsia
• The prevention also involves educating oneself on the condition, being aware of the signs and symptoms, and seeking medical help when they occur to help avoid aggravation of the condition and prevention of complications associated with the eclampsia
• When a woman develops severe and progressively worsening headache after delivering her baby, she needs to seek immediate medical attention and should particularly avoid driving, since a seizure may be imminent
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of conditions such as Postpartum Eclampsia

What is the Prognosis of Postpartum Eclampsia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With a timely intervention and treatment of preeclampsia and other (preceding) maternal conditions, the prognosis of Postpartum Eclampsia may be favorable. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention may help avoid complications 
• Brain damage may result in permanent neurological damage, and is the most common cause of death in women with Postpartum Eclampsia. Strokes account for 15-20% of deaths associated with the condition
• Study reports indicate that the outcomes are better (for both the mother and baby) in developed nations in comparison to certain underdeveloped or developing countries, who sometimes have limited or no access to adequate prenatal and postnatal care

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Postpartum Eclampsia:

The following article link will help you understand other pregnancy-related conditions:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/