Q- A 16-year-old woman is brought to the emergency room by her mother following a seizure. She is 30-week pregnant with twins. Her mother told you that her daughter was eating lunch and when she stood up she fell on the floor and started shaking. She never had any seizures before. During last week, she complained of headache and swelling of her face. She missed her last two obstetrician’s appointments.
On Examination, she is unresponsive and difficult to arouse. Her blood pressure is 210/120. There is edema of her face and both hands. Fetal heart rate is 140/min.
What is the next step of management for this patient?
A- Hospitalization and treatment with antihypertensive and epileptic drugs and wait until delivery at term
B- Hospitalization and observation until delivery at term
C- Hospitalization and induction of labor
D- Outpatient treatment and recommend regular visits to the clinic
Answer and Explanation
This pregnant woman has eclampsia. It is diagnosed clinically and characterized by seizures which differentiate it from pre-eclampsia. Delivery is the only cure for eclampsia. Induction of labor is preferred unless there are contraindications (e.g., non-reassuring fetal status or maternal instability requiring cesarean).
Other options will lead to danger to both mother and child.
The correct answer is C
I thought as much