Severe post-partum eclampsia: response to plasma exchange

J Clin Apher. 1992;7(1):1-3. doi: 10.1002/jca.2920070102.

Abstract

In their severest forms, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia may be life-threatening complications of pregnancy. We describe a patient with severe post-partum eclampsia characterized by seizures, deep coma, hypertension, renal insufficiency, coagulopathy, and microangiopathic hemolysis. The patient responded to treatment that included intensive plasma exchange, and she achieved full recovery. Our case supports the use of plasma exchange in patients with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Cesarean Section
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Eclampsia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Mannitol / therapeutic use
  • Nitroprusside / therapeutic use
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Puerperal Disorders / therapy*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic
  • Renal Dialysis

Substances

  • Nitroprusside
  • Mannitol
  • Phenytoin
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Dexamethasone