Hypertensive conditions - Essential HTN, Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia Flashcards
Describe the normal BP physiological changes in pregnancy
BP initially falls
Stabilises in 2nd trimester - usually 15mmHg lower than pre-pregnancy
Rises in third trimester
Reaches pre-pregnancy levels at term
Define pre-eclampsia
New hypertension presenting after 20 weeks (on more than 2 occasions >4hrs apart) AND significant proteinuria
What percentage of pregnancies are complicated by hypertension?
10-15%
What percentage of pregnancies are complicated by pre-eclampsia?
3-5%
How many UK pregnancies are complicated by eclampsia?
1 in 3000
Describe what happens in pre-eclampsia
Abnormal trophoblast invasion and differentiation in the 1st trimester
Failure of trophoblast cells to destroy the muscularis layer of the spiral arteries - Underdeveloped spiral arteries
Failure to transform into low resistance vessels
Reduction of blood flow to the intervillous space
Uteroplacental ischaemia - poorly perfused placenta
What happens as a result of the defective placenta?
Toxic factors release
Influence of ischaemia leads to endothelial damage, redistribution of fluid, protein leakage through kidneys, vasoconstriction, activation of the coagulation system
List some risk factors for pre-eclampsia
Obesity Age >40 Genetic predisposition - sister greater risk than mother Multiple pregnancy Primip Long birth interval Hydrops with large placenta Hydatidiform mole Triploidy
Pre-existing HTN CKD DM Antiphospholipid antibodies Connective tissue disease
List some clinical features of pre-eclampsia
HTN Proteinuria Oedema Headaches Visual disturbances Epigastric pain Clonus Rib pain Vomiting IUGR
What are some complications of pre-eclampsia
Maternal:
- Eclampsia (seizures)
- Cerebral haemorrhage
- Pulmonary oedema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Renal failure (AKI)
- HELLP syndrome, liver haemorrhage and rupture
- Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
Foetal:
- Placental abruption
- Oligohydramnios
- Foetal growth restriction
- Increased risk of HTN
- Increased risk of stroke
What clinical picture is seen in HELLP syndrome
Haemolysis
Elevated liver enzymes
Low platelets
What is eclampsia
One or more tonic clonic seizure in association with features of pre-eclampsia and not attributable to any other cerebral pathology
What percentage of woman with eclampsia have symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
1/3
Describe the management of pre-eclampsia
Monitoring
VTE prevention - LMWH
Antihypertensive - labetalol
Delivery , nifedipine, methyldopa
Describe post natal care of pre-eclampsia
Usually resolves following delivery of placenta, however monitor mother for at least 24hrs post partum
Blood pressure monitored daily for first 2 days and then at least once 3-5day post partum and the need for antihypertensive should be assessed
What class of drug is labetalol?
Beta blocker
List the side effects of labetalol
Postural hypotension Fatigue Headache Nausea Vomiting Epigastric pain
What class of drug is nifedipine?
Calcium channel blocker
List the side effects of nifidipine
Peripheral oedema Dizziness Flushing Headache Constipation
What drug class is methyldopa
Alpha agonist