eclampsia

American  

[ih-klamp-see-uh] / ɪˈklæmp si ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a form of toxemia of pregnancy, characterized by albuminuria, hypertension, and convulsions.

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eclampsia British  

/ ɪˈklæmpsɪə /

noun

1. pathol a toxic condition of unknown cause that sometimes develops in the last three months of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal weight gain and convulsions Compare pre-eclampsia

2. another name for milk fever (in cattle)

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Other Word Forms

• eclamptic adjective

Etymology

Origin of eclampsia

1855–60; < New Latin < Greek éklamps ( is ) sudden development ( ek- ec- + lámp ( ein ) to shine + -sis -sis + -ia -ia

Compare meaning

How does eclampsia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• preeclampsia vs. eclampsia

Example Sentences

For instance, no one disputes that a death from eclampsia, a dangerous condition provoked by pregnancy, qualifies as a maternal death and is properly included when calculating the mortality rate.

From Science Magazine

Research has shown that young teens have a greater risk of developing postpartum blood loss and eclampsia, a condition marked by seizures and high blood pressure.

From Salon

More was made of what the coroner listed as complications related to childbirth: among them, eclampsia, which results in seizures that can lead to coma and stems from high blood pressure during pregnancy.

From Seattle Times

It said she was found in bed in a “secured residence” with possible complications including respiratory distress and eclampsia.

From Seattle Times

It added possible complications Bowie had included respiratory distress and eclampsia - when a person develops seizures, or convulsions, during pregnancy.

From BBC