HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY

Question 1

Hypertension in pregnancy is….

Answer 1

SBP of 140 or higher and/or DBP of 90 or higher measured on two different occasions at least 5 minutes apart using an appropriate-sized cuff especially in obese patients

Question 2

Criteria for severe HTN in pregnancy

Answer 2

Systolic of 160 or higher and diastolic of 110 or higher

Question 3

Are ACE inhibitors, ARBs and alpha-blockers used in pregnancy

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Causes of high blood pressue in pregnancy

Answer 4

Pregnancy induced HTN
Pre-eclampsia
Eclampsia
Chronic HTN
Chronic HTN with superimposed pre-eclampsia or eclampsia

Question 5

Investigations for HTN in pregnancy

Answer 5

FBC
Clotting profile
BUE and Creatinine
Urinalysis and Culture
LFTs
RBG
Daily urine protein assessment
Repeated ultrasound scan

Question 6

Drugs for HTN in pregnancy without pre-eclampsia or eclampsia

Answer 6

1st line : Methyldopa 250mg-500mg 8-12 hourly PO (max. 2g daily)

2nd line: Nifedipine sustained release

Question 6

Purpose of repeated ultrasound scan in HTN in pregnancy

Answer 6

For close foetal monitoring

Question 7

Treatment objectives for HTN in pregnancy

Answer 7

To control BP
To detect and treat any complicatons that may arise
To prevent foetal complications
To deliver a healthy baby