Eclampsia Flashcards

1
Q

What type of condition is pre-eclampsia?

A

A placental condition

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2
Q

At what stage in the pregnancy does pre-eclampsia normally affect women?

A

20 weeks gestation

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3
Q

What is pre-eclampsia characterised by?

A

New onset hypertension
Proteinuria

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4
Q

What is eclampsia?

A

The onset of seizures in association with pre-eclampsia

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5
Q

In what period does eclampsia mainly occur?

A

The antepartum period

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6
Q

What are the seizure in eclampsia due to?

A

Cerebrovascular spasm

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7
Q

What is cerebrovascular spasm due to?

A

Cerebral haemorrhage
Cerebral oedema

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8
Q

How does Eclampsia present?

A
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperreflexia
  • Visual changes
  • RUQ/epigastric pain
  • Papilledema
  • Tonic-clonic seizure
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9
Q

What is classed as high blood pressure in eclampsia?

A

Systolic above 160mmHg

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10
Q

What is first line in the management of eclampsia?

A

ABC

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11
Q

What is the second step in the management of eclampsia?

A

Magnesium sulphate

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12
Q

How is Magnesium sulphate administered?

A

IV bolus

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13
Q

What is the function of magnesium sulphate?

A

To prevent seizures

To treat seizures once they develop

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14
Q

How long should magnesium sulphate be continued after delivery?

A

24 hours after delivery
or
24 hours after last seizure

(Whichever one is later)

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15
Q

How does magnesium sulphate work?

A

Cerebral dilatation and competitively blocks calcium at synaptic nerve endings

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16
Q

What do you need to monitor when on magnesium sulphate?

A

Respiratory rate
Reflexes
Urine output

17
Q

What is the antidote to magnesium sulphate?

A

Calcium gluconate

18
Q

When should calcium gluconate be administered?

A

If toxicity from magnesium sulphate develops

19
Q

What problem can magnesium sulphate cause?

A

Respiratory depression

20
Q

What other medical management can be given for eclampsia?

A

Anti-hypertensives

21
Q

What anti-hypertensives can be given for elcampsia?

A

Labetolol
Hydralazine

22
Q

What are complications of Eclampsia to look for?

A

HELLP
DIC
Acute respiratory distress
Pulmonary oedema
Fetal hypoxia

23
Q

What is HELLP syndrome?

A

Haemolysis
Elevated liver enzymes
Low platelets

24
Q

What is DIC?

A

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

25
Q

What would you give to decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia in subsequent pregnancies?

A

Low dose aspirin from 12 weeks