Eclampsia and pre eclampsia Flashcards
What causes pre eclampsia
Abnormal trophoblast invasion
Underdeveloped spiral arteries
Uteroplacental ischaemia
At what gestation does pre-eclampsia occur?
After 20 weeks until 6 weeks postnatal
Before that is probably pre-existing hypertension
What is pre-eclampia?
A new onset of hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Above 140/90 is worrisome
What are the risk factors for pre-eclampsia?
Age
Obesity
Genetic disposition
Primigravida
Multiple pregnancy
Long birth interval
Pre-existing hypertension
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes
Antiphospholipid antibodies
Connective tissue disease
What is the difference between pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?
Eclampsia is when seizures begin
What are the clinical manifestations of pre-eclampsia?
Hypertension
Proteinuria
Oedema (inc pitting)
Headaches
Visual disturbances
Epigastric pain
Clonus
Rib pain
Vomiting
IUGR
Swelling in which areas during pregnancy is worrisome?
In the face and hands because it suggests severe hypertension
What is placental adruption?
When the placenta starts peeling off before the baby is born
What is HELLP syndrome?
A severe complication of eclampsia
Haemolysis
Elevated Liver enzymes
Low Platelets
What are the treatments for eclampsia?
Antihypertensives (labetalol, nifedipine, hydralisine)
Magnesium sulphate
Delivery of placenta
What is meant by cerebral irritability in pre-eclampsia?
The person is more at risk of seizures
Shown by having brisk reflexes
How can magnesium sulphate overdose be tested in pregnancy?
Will cause absent reflexes
Why are women in eclampsia put onto their left side?
This relieves pressure from the vena cava to improve blood flow
What is a MEOWS chart?
The Modified Early Obstetric Warning Score (MEOWS) allows early recognition of physical deterioration in women by monitoring their physiological parameters
