Preeclampsia during Pregnancy

What is a risk factor for preeclampsia?

What is the hallmark of eclampsia, a severe complication of preeclampsia?

What is the primary purpose of giving corticosteroids in the management of preeclampsia?

What is the definition of proteinuria in preeclampsia?

What is the blood pressure threshold for diagnosing hypertension in preeclampsia?

What is the primary characteristic of mild preeclampsia?

What is the primary mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia?

Which of the following is a complication of severe preeclampsia in the mother?

What is the indications for delivery in preeclampsia?

What is a long-term risk for the mother after preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia

Definition

A pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Pathophysiology

Abnormal placentation and impaired trophoblastic invasion of maternal spiral arteries
Endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm
Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Increased sensitivity to pressor agents

Clinical Features

Hypertension: BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of gestation
Proteinuria: ≥ 300 mg/24 hours or protein:creatinine ratio ≥ 0.3
Multi-organ dysfunction: headache, vision changes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Seizures: a hallmark of eclampsia, a severe complication of preeclampsia

Classification

Mild preeclampsia: BP < 160/110 mmHg, no severe features
Severe preeclampsia: BP ≥ 160/110 mmHg, or presence of severe features (e.g., vision changes, abdominal pain)
HELLP syndrome: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets

Risk Factors

Nulliparity
Family history
Chronic hypertension
Diabetes
Renal disease
Multiple gestation

Diagnosis

Blood pressure monitoring
Urine protein:creatinine ratio
Complete blood count
Liver function tests
Urine output monitoring

Management

Bed rest
Antihypertensive therapy
Corticosteroids (for fetal lung maturity)
Magnesium sulfate (for seizure prophylaxis)
Delivery: timing and route depend on gestational age and maternal-fetal condition

Test your knowledge about preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Learn about its pathophysiology, clinical features, classification, risk factors, diagnosis, and management.