Hypertension in Pregnancy Flashcards
How common is eclampsia
1/2000 pregnancies affected
What happens to the blood vessels in pregnancy
vasodilation
What happens to the BP in early pregnancy
falls with lowest point at 22-24 wks
slowly rises until term
What happens to BP after delivery
falls but subsequently rises and peaks at 3-4 days post natal
How is hypertension diagnosed in pregnancy
more than 140/90 on 2 occasions
DBP more than 110
according to ACOG - rise of more than 30/15 compared to booking BP = hypertension
what are the three categories of hypertension in pregnancy
pre existing (first half) pregnancy induced (second half) pre eclampsia (usually ins econd half)
What are the possible risks of hypertension in pregnancy
PET
IUGR
Abruption
What are the features of PIH
Second half of pregnancy Resolves within 6 wks post partum No proteinuria Some progress to pre eclampsia High recurrence rate
What are the defining features of pre eclampsia
Hypertension
Proteinuria
Oedema
What is the pathogenesis of pre eclampsia
Genetic predisposition
Two stages: abnormal placental perfusion and maternal syndrome
What medications can be used to treat hypertension in pregnancy
- Labetalol
- Methyldopa
- Nifedipine ( if monotherapy fails)
What hypertensive medications need to be stopped in pregnancy
ACE inhibitors and ARBs ‘sartans’
How is severe hypertension treated eg 165/110
Labetalol oral or IV
Hydralazine
Nifedipine
What is the target BP in pregnancy
Aim fro less than 150/80-100
If there is organ damage er proteinuria, aim for 140/90
less than 140/90 consider reducing dose
If less than 130/90 reduce dose
When should the baby be delivered in pre eclampsia
37 weeks
Describe the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia
Abnormal placentation and trophoblast invasion –> failure of normal vascular remodelling
Spiral arteries fail to adapt to become high capacitance, low resistance vessels
Placental ischaemia –> widespread endothelial damage and dysfunction
What CNS problems can occur due to hypertension in pregnancy
eclampsia hypertensive encephalopathy Intracranial haemorrhage Cerebral oedema cortical blindness cranial nerve palsy
What renal disease may occur due to hypertension in pregnancy
increased GFR Proteinuria increased serum uric acid (also placental ischaemia) increased creatinine / potassium / urea Oliguria /anuria Acute renal failure acute tubular necrosis renal cortical necrosis
What lifethreatening liver disease can occur due to pre-eclampsia/ high BP in pregnancy
HELLP syndrome
What dies HELLP syndrome stand for
Haemolysis
Elevated Liver enzymes
Low Platelets