A woman who had eclampsia in a previous pregnancy asks about recurrence risk in her next pregnancy. Which statement is accurate?
- A Eclampsia never recurs because it confers lifelong immunity
- B Recurrence risk of eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy is approximately 1 to 2 percent ✓
- C Recurrence risk of eclampsia exceeds 25 percent in any subsequent pregnancy
- D Risk depends solely on whether magnesium sulfate was given during the index episode
Correct answer: B. Recurrence risk of eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy is approximately 1 to 2 percent
Explanation
Women with prior eclampsia have roughly a 1 to 2 percent chance of recurrent eclampsia, although the recurrence risk of pre-eclampsia itself is much higher, around 15 percent or more. Immunity does not develop, and the risk figure far exceeds one quarter only in selected high-risk groups, not routinely. Prior treatment details do not alter future biological risk. These figures are quoted from standard obstetric texts including Williams Obstetrics.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.