Eclampsia
Chapter 15:Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
ICD-10 O15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of eclampsia.
Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, which is marked by hypertension and proteinuria. The seizures can occur before, during, or after labor and are often a result of cerebral edema or other neurological complications associated with elevated blood pressure. Eclampsia poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus, including potential maternal morbidity and mortality, fetal distress, and preterm delivery. Management typically involves stabilization of the mother, seizure control with medications such as magnesium sulfate, and timely delivery of the fetus, often via emergency cesarean section if the mother’s condition is critical. Close monitoring for neurologic complications, such as stroke or intracranial hemorrhage, is essential. The condition requires a multidisciplinary approach, including obstetricians, neurologists, and anesthesiologists, to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and child.
Detailed records of maternal vital signs, seizure episodes, and interventions performed during labor and delivery.
A patient with preeclampsia develops seizures during labor, requiring emergency cesarean delivery.
Accurate documentation of the severity of hypertension and any neurological assessments performed.
Comprehensive records of maternal-fetal monitoring, including fetal heart rate patterns and maternal neurological status.
Management of a high-risk pregnancy where the mother has a history of eclampsia in a previous pregnancy.
Consideration of the impact of eclampsia on fetal development and the need for specialized care.
Used when an emergency cesarean is performed due to eclampsia.
Documentation must include indications for cesarean delivery and maternal condition.
Obstetricians must document the urgency and rationale for the procedure.
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, while eclampsia involves the onset of seizures in a patient with preeclampsia. Eclampsia is a more severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
