Short delay of delivery to allow corticosteroid administration in a case of preterm antepartum eclampsia.

BACKGROUND

The current recommendation for management of antepartum eclampsia is to take steps to deliver the fetus after stabilization of the maternal condition. We delayed delivery for 60 hours in a case of antepartum preterm eclampsia to allow administration of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity enhancement.

CASE: A primigravida presented with eclamptic seizure at 29 weeks' gestation without focal neurological deficits. Clinical and laboratory assessment ruled out the presence of the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets; abruption; disseminated intravascular coagulation; or acute renal failure. The fetal biometry was appropriate for gestational age, and there was a normal amount of amniotic fluid. Fetal testing was reassuring. Expectancy with intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion was continued for 60 hours, allowing administration of a course of corticosteroids for enhancement of fetal lung maturity. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

A 2-day delay in delivery in selected patients with preterm antepartum eclampsia allows administration of steroids for fetal lung maturity enhancement.