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Neurocritical Care

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01-10-2009 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Overlapping Features of Eclampsia and Postpartum Angiopathy

Authors: Jeffrey J. Fletcher, Andreas H. Kramer, Thomas P. Bleck, Nina J. Solenski

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

Introduction

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy (PPA) is considered one of a diverse group of rare conditions termed “reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes”. Existing literature suggest considerable overlap in the manifestations of eclampsia and PPA.

Methods

Retrospective case series review of PPA and eclampsia from a single neurosciences intensive care unit patient log identified over a consecutive 18-month period. A MEDLINE search (using OVID) of the English literature from 1950 through October 2008 was also performed.

Results

Four patients who meet the obstetrical criteria for eclampsia and four patients whose clinical and radiographic features were consistent with PPA were identified. Twenty-eight patients with PPA were identified from the literature and showed significant clinical and radiographic overlap without cohort.

Conclusion

Given the overlapping clinical, laboratory, and radiographical features of eclampsia and PPA, it is probable they share a similar underlying pathophysiological mechanism and represent different clinical expressions of the same pregnancy-related disorder. The obstetrical definition of eclampsia may be to strict when applied in the neurosciences intensive care unit.

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Title: Overlapping Features of Eclampsia and Postpartum Angiopathy
Authors: Jeffrey J. Fletcher
Andreas H. Kramer
Thomas P. Bleck
Nina J. Solenski
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Neurocritical Care / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9221-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Overlapping Features of Eclampsia and Postpartum Angiopathy

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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