Detection of Epileptiform Activity in Severe Preeclampsia

The primary aim of this pilot study is to prospectively quantify epileptiform activity in a cohort of preeclamptic patients before and after intravenous magnesium administration. Secondary aims will be the exploration of a potential association between epileptiform activity and the sFlt-1:PIGF ratio, as well as a correlation to clinical signs of preeclampsia. A positive finding may aid obstetricians to detect an increased convulsive risk by performing a simplified EEG early in the diagnostic path of preeclampsia. If confirmed in a larger trial positive correlations of an increased sFlt-1:PIGF ratio with epileptiform activity might be a risk marker for early severe preeclampsia, guiding obstetricians into clinical decision-making in regard to an increased maternal risk of eclampsia.