Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy Flashcards
Does blood pressure normally change during pregnancy?
Yes, falls in the second trimester by about 30/15. By term, blood pressure should be back to pre-pregnant levels.
How does pre-eclampsia cause HTN?
Largely due to increase in systemic vascular resistance. Protein excretion in normal pregnancy is increased, but not by much.
How can HTN in pregnancy be classified?
Pregnancy-induced HTN and pre-existing or chronic HTN.
What is pregnancy-induced HTN?
BP raises above 140/90 after 20 weeks, either transiently or due to PE.
What is preeclampsia (PE)?
HTN and proteinuria >0.3g/24h after 20w gestation, often with oedema
What is eclampsia?
The occurrence of epileptiform seizures, the most dramatic complication
Are patients with chronic HTN at increased risk of PE?
Yes, six fold more risk
What is the pathology of PE?
Systemic blood vessel endothelial cell damage, in association with an exaggerated maternal inflammatory response, leading to vasospasm and increased capillary permeability and clotting dysfunction.
What is the course of PE?
The disease is progressive, but variable and unpredictable. HTN usually precedes proteinuria.
Is PE more common in nulliparous or multiparous women?
It is less common in multiparous women unless additional risk factors at present
Is PE likely to recur?
There is a 15% recurrence rate; this is up to 50% if there has been severe pre-eclampsia before 28 weeks
What is mild PE?
Proteinuria and mild/moderate HTN
What is moderate PE?
Proteinuria and severe HTN (160/110)with no maternal complications
What is severe PE?
Proteinuria and any hypertensions <34 weeks or with maternal complications
What are the high risk factors for PE?
- hypertensive disease in a previous pregnancy
- chronic kidney disease
- autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome
- type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- chronic hypertension