The prevention and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia remain one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. They also contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality as well. Multiple strategies have been proposed for the prevention of pre-eclampsia, with mixed results. Likewise, different strategies for the management of pre-eclampsia have been proposed, also with mixed results. While the prevention of pre-eclampsia remains unachievable, meticulous medical management of mother and fetus will contribute to an overall lowering of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia's contribution to perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. (C) 1998 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.