2. Introduction and background
Eclampsia is defined as the occurrence of one or more convulsions superimposed on pre-eclampsia.4 Preeclampsia
is pregnancy-induced hypertension in association with proteinuria (> 0.3 g in 24 hours) ± oedema
and virtually any organ system may be affected.5 Severe pre-eclampsia is variously defined.1,4 There is consensus
that severe hypertension is confirmed with a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg on two occasions or systolic
blood pressure ≥ 170 mmHg on two occasions and that, together with significant proteinuria (at least 1 g/litre),
this constitutes severe pre-eclampsia. There is less agreement about the degree of moderate hypertension,
which together with other symptoms or signs constitutes severe pre-eclampsia.