Introduction:

Preeclampsia produces proteinuria, edema and arterial hypertension. Eclampsia appears after preeclampsia or acute with seizures. Both states usually occur towards the end of pregnancy, during or after delivery.

Objective:

To characterize pregnant or puerperal women with preeclampsia-eclampsia, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Methods:

A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was concluded, in 38 patients who underwent a complete physical examination, complementary tests useful for their diagnosis and APACHE II index.

Results:

Puerperal pre-eclampsia predominated. The ages between 21 to 35 years prevailed. The most frequent risk factors found were advanced ages, personal history and nulliparity. The stay ranged between 4 and 5 days in both groups, with 100 % of live hospital discharges.

Conclusions:

The early diagnosis of severe and initial forms of preeclampsia is possible with a strategy of early follow-up in pregnant and puerperal women at risks.

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