Eclampsia Flashcards
What type of condition is pre-eclampsia?
A placental condition
At what stage in the pregnancy does pre-eclampsia normally affect women?
20 weeks gestation
What is pre-eclampsia characterised by?
New onset hypertension
Proteinuria
What is eclampsia?
The onset of seizures in association with pre-eclampsia
In what period does eclampsia mainly occur?
The antepartum period
What are the seizure in eclampsia due to?
Cerebrovascular spasm
What is cerebrovascular spasm due to?
Cerebral haemorrhage
Cerebral oedema
How does Eclampsia present?
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Hyperreflexia
- Visual changes
- RUQ/epigastric pain
- Papilledema
- Tonic-clonic seizure
What is classed as high blood pressure in eclampsia?
Systolic above 160mmHg
What is first line in the management of eclampsia?
ABC
What is the second step in the management of eclampsia?
Magnesium sulphate
How is Magnesium sulphate administered?
IV bolus
What is the function of magnesium sulphate?
To prevent seizures
To treat seizures once they develop
How long should magnesium sulphate be continued after delivery?
24 hours after delivery
or
24 hours after last seizure
(Whichever one is later)
How does magnesium sulphate work?
Cerebral dilatation and competitively blocks calcium at synaptic nerve endings