Hypertension in pregnancy Flashcards
Definition: chronic hypertension during pregnancy
BP >140/90 within first 20 weeks of pregnancy OR persisting >12 weeks postpartum
Definition: Gestational HTN
- New onset HTN > 20 wks without proteinuria or other signs of preeclampsia: 50% will develop preeclampsia by the end of pregnancy
- RESOLVES in the PP period: If lasts > 12 weeks pp = CHRONIC htn
Definition: Eclampsia
o New onset generalized seizures in a women with preeclampsia
When is preeclampsia diagnosed?
o Dx > 20 weeks OR PP
What is the BP rage for preeclampsia and what else is required?
> 140/90 AND +proteinuria OR end organ dysfunction
How many elevated BP readings are required to diagnose?
2 readings of BP > 140/90 at least 4 hrs apart after 20 weeks
1 reading BP > 160/110
What are the proteinuria/protein/creatinine ratio cut offs?
- > = 0.3 grams in protein/creatinine ratio OR 300 mg in 24 hours urine specimen
Think rule of 3’s: 0.3 or 300
How often does eclamptic seizures occur during the PP period?
1/3 eclamptic seizures
What is the typical period of time that PP eclamptic seizures will occur?
up to 4 weeks
Definition: HELLP Syndrome
o Hemolysis (on blood smear, or indirect hyperbilirubinemia, low
serum haptoglobin, or markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase)
o Elevated Liver enzymes (AST/ALT twice the upper limit of normal)
o Low Platelet (thrombocytopenia – platelet count <100,000/mm)
How often does preeclampsia complicate pregnancies?
2-8 %
What is the greatest risk for women with chronic hypertension?
superimposed preeclampsia
High risk factors: preeclampsia
- Hx preeclampsia with previous pregnancy
- Multifetal gestation
- Chronic HTN
- Pregestational diabetes
- Renal disease
- Autoimmune disease
Moderate risk factors: preeclampsia
- > = 35 y/o
- BMI >= 30
- Fhx mother or sister
- Nulliparity
- Personal hx risk factors (low birth weight, SGA, over 10 year pregnancy interval)
What causes complications in preeclampsia?
Vasoconstriction
What must be present for preeclampsia to occur? What does not have to present?
-Placenta must be present
-Do not need a fetus –> can happen in molar pregnancy
What is the issue with the placenta in preeclampsia?
Failed remodeling of the spiral arteries to accommodate increased blood flow
What is the maternal response to the initial abnormal placentation and subsequent placental hypoxemia?
release or cytokines that leads to systemic inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction throughout the vascular system and prothrombotic condition
Fetal risks preeclampsia
-miscarriage
-abruptions
-SGA
-preterm birth
-perinatal death