[Eclampsia: analysis of a series of 18 clinical cases. Management in a severe crisis].

On the basis of a series of 18 cases of severe eclampsia, the authors analyse the predisposing circumstances for these episodes and the method of delivery. Caesarian section is still the usual method of delivery in severe cases (12/18). There is a high perinatal mortality (4/18), which is principally due to foetal distress which is inevitable during the episodes, to hypotrophy which is present in 3 out of 4 cases and to prematurity. There were no maternal deaths in this particular series. In the second part of the article, the authors consider the management and treatment of the eclamptic episode itself: relieve the maternal and foetal anoxia, stabilize the blood pressure, correct the hypovolaemia and prevent the development of convulsions.