Eclampsia Flashcards
What is eclampsia?
When severe pre-eclampsia is complicated with generalized convulsions
What is pre-eclampsia?
A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with multi-organ involvement
What are the characteristics of pre-eclampsia?
New onset raised BP
Proteinuria
Which periods of pregnancy can eclampsia occur?
Antepartum
Intrapartum
Postpartum
What causes eclampsia?
Cerebral oedema or cerebral haemorrhage
Clinical symptoms of eclampsia?
Headache
BP >160 systolic
Hyperreflexia
Visual changes
What type of seizures can occur in eclampsia?
Tonic-clonic seizures
What are some of the potential differentials of eclampsia?>
Epilepsy
Encephalitis
Metabolic disorders
Immediate management of eclampsia?
Medical emergency- ABC approach
Secure airways
IV access
Take bloods
Which bloods need to be taken in management of eclampsia?
LFTs
U&Es
Coagulation
FBC
What should be given to the mother in the management of eclampsia?
Magnesium sulphate (IV)
Antihypertensives- labetalol, hydralazine
Delivery of child has to occur too
How does magnesium sulphate help in eclampsia?
Cerebral dilatation
Competitively blocks calcium at synaptic nerve endings
What should be monitored whilst a patient in on magnesium sulphate?
Respi rate
Reflexes
Urine output
What is the antidote to magnesium sulphate?
Calcium gluconate
->this can be given if toxicity from magnesium sulphate develops
What is the only cure for eclampsia?
Delivery
What complications of eclampsia need to be watched out for?
HELLP syndrome
DIC
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Pulmonary oedema
Aspiration
Foetal hypoxia
Increased maternal mortality
What should be given to decrease risks of preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies?
Low dose aspirin from 12wks gestation
