12. HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY

Question 1

What is the most common medical complication of pregnancy?

Answer 1

Hypertension

Question 2

What is the leading cause of maternal mortality in SA? followed by?

Answer 2

hypertensive disorders particularly pre-eclampsia followed by PTL and PPROM

Question 3

What are the associated complications of hypertension occurring during pregnancy?

Answer 3

Maternal death
IUGR

Question 4

Define hypertension in pregnancy.

Answer 4

Persistently elevated DBP of 90 or more in two occasions four hours apart or a single reading of DBP 110 or more

Question 5

What are the ways of detecting proteinuria?

Answer 5

DIpstix tests, sulphosalisylic acid testing(cold testing) and 24hr urinary protein quantification.

Question 6

What are the 3 hypertensive disorders found in pregnancy?

Answer 6

1. Gestational hypertension of Pre-eclampsia: diagnosed in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy (after 20th gestational age)
2. Chronic disease Hypertension: diagnosed before pregnancy or within the 1st 20 weeks of gestation.
3. Unclassified disease: diagnosed at first visit of gestational age beyond 20 weeks without prior hx.

Question 7

The highest prevalence of pre-eclampsia is found in?

Answer 7

Young Primigravid Women
Prior exposure to paternal antigens provides protection change in partner increases risk.
Most prevalent in Parous women since they are more than primigravids

Question 8

What is superimposed pre-eclampsia?

Answer 8

Pre-eclampsia that follows essential hypertension.