10 Questions
What is a risk factor for preeclampsia?
Nulliparity
What is the hallmark of eclampsia, a severe complication of preeclampsia?
Seizures
What is the primary purpose of giving corticosteroids in the management of preeclampsia?
To promote fetal lung maturity
What is the definition of proteinuria in preeclampsia?
≥ 300 mg/24 hours
What is the blood pressure threshold for diagnosing hypertension in preeclampsia?
BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg
What is the primary characteristic of mild preeclampsia?
Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg and proteinuria ≥300 mg/24h
What is the primary mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia?
Oxidative stress
Which of the following is a complication of severe preeclampsia in the mother?
Pulmonary edema
What is the indications for delivery in preeclampsia?
Severe preeclampsia or fetal distress
What is a long-term risk for the mother after preeclampsia?
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Study Notes
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.
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