How is eclampsia differentiated from severe preeclampsia?

Eclampsia is defined by the occurrence of seizures in a patient with a background of preeclampsia. While severe preeclampsia includes symptoms such as hypertension and proteinuria, it does not manifest with seizures. The presence of seizures signifies a progression from preeclampsia to eclampsia, indicating a more severe form of the disorder that poses critical risks to both the mother and the fetus. This critical distinction is essential in clinical settings, as timely intervention can be needed to protect the health of both.

The other choices do not accurately capture the defining differences between these two conditions. Eclampsia does not solely involve hypertension; it is the seizures that are the hallmark of its diagnosis. Additionally, eclampsia certainly presents with various symptoms related to the underlying preeclampsia, and fetal distress can occur in both conditions due to the complications associated with high blood pressure, but it is not a defining feature used to differentiate eclampsia from severe preeclampsia. Understanding these differences is vital for effective diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.