Eclampsia: a leading cause of maternal mortality.

Eclampsia is the occurrence of generalized convulsions during pregnancy, labor or within seven days of delivery, not due to epilepsy or other convulsive disorders. It is largely a preventable disease provided the pregnant women get regular antenatal care. Despite all prevention measures, diagnostic modalities and intensive treatment, it is still one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the developing world. In this review, we present definitions, epidemiologic data, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of this life threatening condition.