Atypical postpartum eclampsia: Status epilepticus without preeclamptic prodromi

Summary 

Background

Eclampsia remains as a major obstetric problems that plagues a large percentage of women resulting in a large percentage of maternal and perinatal morbidities. In general, most women will have a classical presentation of preeclampsia. However, studies have suggested that some women will develop eclampsia without the classical findings.

Case report

We report a case of postpartum eclampsia with the first manifestation of convulsions resistant to diazepam and magnesium sulfate. In this patient high blood pressure was first detected after the seizures. Electroencephalography and CT scan of brain were normal. Patient's blood pressure returned to normal 1 month after parturition.

Conclusion

Postpartum eclampsia can manifest without a preceding preeclampsia phase. Therefore, eclampsia is not always preventable. Pregnancies complicated by eclampsia require a well-formulated management plan.

Keywords: Eclampsia, Postpartum, Hypertension, Convulsion, Seizure