Preeclampsia Diagnosis

Study Notes

Proteinuria of ≥ 0.3 grams in a 24-hour urine specimen, a protein (mg/dL)/creatinine (mg/dL) ratio of ≥ 0.3, or a urine dipstick protein of 1+ is required to diagnose preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia with severe features is defined as the presence of one of the following symptoms or signs in the presence of preeclampsia.

SBP of ≥ 160 mm Hg or DBP of ≥ 110 mm Hg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart while the patient is on bed rest.
Impaired hepatic function, indicated by abnormally elevated blood concentrations of liver enzymes (to double the normal concentration).
Severe, persistent upper quadrant or epigastric pain that does not respond to pharmacotherapy and is not accounted for by alternative diagnoses.
Progressive renal insufficiency (serum creatinine concentration > 1.1 mg/dL or a doubling of the serum creatinine concentration in the absence of other renal disease).
New-onset cerebral or visual disturbances.

Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood may be present, indicating reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
Abnormalities in coagulation studies, such as elevated D-dimer levels, may be observed, indicating a heightened risk of blood clot formation.
Thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet count, may be indicative of preeclampsia.

Blood tests to check for other signs of preeclampsia.
Vitamin D level testing to assess parathyroid function.
Urinary calcium testing to measure calcium excretion.
Bone density testing to assess bone density and risk of osteoporosis.
Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT, or scintigraphy, to locate and assess the size of parathyroid glands.
Genetic testing for suspected hereditary conditions affecting the parathyroid glands.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) to collect a tissue sample for examination.

PTH helps to increase calcium concentration in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.
PTH decreases phosphorus reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased excretion in the urine.

Eclampsia is seizures that occur in pregnant people with preeclampsia.
Symptoms of eclampsia include high blood pressure, headaches, blurry vision, and convulsions.
Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition that occurs in the second half of pregnancy.
Eclampsia typically develops from preeclampsia.
Lab findings may include:
- Elevated liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT.
- Elevated serum creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function.
- Hematological abnormalities, such as thrombocytopenia and hemolysis, which may be seen in HELLP syndrome.

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