Eclampsia as a possible risk factor for persistent trophoblastic disease

Twenty cases of hydatidiform mole complicated by eclampsia with adequate postevacuation follow-up are identified in a review of the literature since 1866. The clinical presentation of each of these patients is reviewed with particular attention to the existence of known risk factors for persistent trophoblastic disease. After excluding 3 women with coexisting fetus and 2 others who were treated initially with a total abdominal hysterectomy, it was discovered that 14 of the remaining 15 women developed persistent trophoblastic disease. This frequency of persistent trophoblastic disease is greater than can be explained based on previously described risk factors and suggests that the occurrence of eclampsia may be an independent risk factor for persistent trophoblastic disease.