Post Magpie: how should we be managing severe preeclampsia?
OBJECTIVE
Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy and a significant cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to highlight and discuss aspects of some of the more recent clinical management papers published in the field of preeclampsia and eclampsia. The title explains the clinical nature of this paper and a detailed review of the basic science literature is beyond the scope of this article.


RESULTS
Several controversial areas still exist in the current management of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. We present a number of interesting papers dealing with practical management questions and discuss the optimum treatment regimen for preventing eclampsia. The findings of the MAGPIE study are discussed. Opinions are expressed as to the current management of preterm severe preeclampsia, and we outline a new hypothesis on the etiology of eclampsia.


CONCLUSIONS
Preeclampsia/eclampsia remains a disease without a clear etiology. Despite this, clinical management issues are being addressed and maternal morbidity and mortality continue to fall.
Frias
Antonio E
AE
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Belfort
Michael A
MA
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate