Preeclampsia and Eclampsia during the Pregnant and Puerperal Period in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia produces proteinuria, edema and arterial hypertension. Eclampsia appears after preeclampsia or it appears acute with seizures. Both states usually occur towards the end of pregnancy, during or after delivery.
Objective: To characterize pregnant or puerperal women suffering preeclampsia-eclampsia, who were admitted to the ICU.
Method: A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was conducted in 38 patients who underwent a complete physical examination, complementary tests useful for their diagnosis and the APACHE II index.
Results: Puerperal women suffering preeclampsia and ages ranging 21 to 35 years prevailed. The most frequent risk factors found were extreme ages, personal history, and nulliparity. Subjects in both groups stayed 4 - 5 days. A hundred percent were discharged alive.
Conclusions: with a strategy of early follow-up in pregnant and puerperal women at risk, the diagnosis of severe and incipient forms of preeclampsia can be reached.