The Prognosis and Treatment of Eclampsia and Albuminuria, with Special Reference to the Risk of Recurrence in Subsequent Pregnancies

Abstract

In a series of hospital cases treated for eclampsia and albuminuria there was found to be a recurrence of toxæmia or non-toxæmic interruption of pregnancy (abortion, acccidental hæmorrhage, etc.) in succeeding gestations in over 50 per cent. There is no evidence that this tendency to recurrence is directly or indirectly dependent upon any persisting renal defect. Chronic nephritis is found in only a small proportion of cases and there is evidence that this is the result of the toxæmia. In view of the large risk of recurrence the need for antenatal supervision from an early stage in the event of a subsequent pregnancy should be clearly explained to the patient. Toxæmia in two or more pregnancies is an indication for the prevention of any further pregnancy.