Eclampsia Flashcards
What is eclampsia?
Severe pre-eclampsia is complicated with generalised convulsions
What is pre-eclampsia?
Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with multi-organ involvement
What is pre-eclampsia characterised by?
New onset raised BP and proteinuria usually seen after 20 weeks of gestation
When is pre-eclampsia most likely to happen during pregnancy?
Antepartum (50%)
Then intrapartum and post partum period
What does eclampsia happen as a result of?
Cerebral oedema and/ or cerebral haemorrhage
What are the clinical features of eclampsia?
Headache, BP>160 systolic, hyperreflexia, visual changes and seizures are tonic clonic
What are the differentials of eclampsia?
Epilepsy
Encephalitis
Metabolic disorders
What is the process of treating eclampsia as an metabolic emergency?
Get a secure airway, IV access and take bloods - liver function, kidney function, coagulation and FBC
What is the management for eclampsia?
Magnesium sulfate given by IV
Antihypertensive - labetolol or hydralazine
Delivery of child is the only cure
What is the mode of action for magnesium sulfate?
Causes cerebral dilatation
Competitively blocks Ca at synaptic nerve endings
Should be continued 24hrs after delivery
What should be monitored during treatment on magnesium sulfate?
Resp. rate, reflexes and urine output
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate?
Calcium gluconate - given if toxicity develops
What are the potential complications of eclampsia?
HELLP syndrome
DIC
Acute resp. distress syndrome
Pulmonary oedema
Aspiration
Foetal hypoxia
What is given if a women had eclampsia for subsequent pregnancies?
Low dose aspirin given from 12 weeks gestation
