Puerperal Eclampsia is a serious disorder that occurs during pregnancy or in postpartum. The word puerperal refers to the period following childbirth, and eclampsia refers to a type of seizure. The spelling of this word is as follows: /pjuːrˈpɛrəl ɪˈklæmpsiə/. The first syllable is pronounced as "pyoo-er" with a long "u" sound. The word then contains two syllables of "per" before ending in "eal." The second part, eclampsia, is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by "klamp" and ending with "see-uh." The proper pronunciation of this word is crucial for medical professionals to properly diagnose and treat patients.
Puerperal eclampsia is a term used in medical jargon to describe a serious complication that can occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. It is characterized by the onset of seizures, typically accompanied by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine (a condition called proteinuria). Puerperal eclampsia usually develops in women who have preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, but can also occur in women with no prior symptoms or signs of preeclampsia.
The seizures associated with puerperal eclampsia are often generalized, meaning they involve the entire body rather than just a specific region. These seizures can be extremely dangerous and sometimes life-threatening for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Management of puerperal eclampsia typically involves immediate medical attention to control and stabilize the condition. This may involve the administration of anticonvulsant medications to control seizures, as well as blood pressure-lowering medications to address hypertension. Delivery of the baby, whether through vaginal birth or caesarean section, is often necessary to effectively manage puerperal eclampsia.
Overall, puerperal eclampsia is a potentially serious and life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Convulsions, of uremic or other origin, occurring in the latter part of pregnancy or during labor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "puerperal eclampsia" has its origins in Latin and Greek.
1. "Puerperal" comes from the Latin word "puerpera", which means "a woman in childbirth", from "puer" (child) and "parere" (to bear). It refers to the period right after childbirth.
2. "Eclampsia" is derived from the Greek word "eklampsis", meaning "a sudden flash or burst", from "eklampein" (to shine out), which is composed of "ek" (out) and "lampsis" (shine). In medical terminology, "eclampsia" refers to a condition characterized by seizures or convulsions, typically occurring in pregnant women.