Medical Complications of Labour

Question 1

What are the components of HELLP syndrome?

Answer 1

Haemolysis
Elevated Liver enzymes
Low platelet count

Question 2

What medication is used for hypertension in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Labetolol
Methyldopa
Nifedipine
Hydralazine if severe

Question 3

Which hypertensive drug class should be stopped in pregnancy?

Answer 3

ACEI/ARB

Question 4

When should a baby aim to be delivered if there is pre-eclampsia?

Answer 4

37 weeks

Question 5

What effect - vasodilation or vasoconstriction - does hypertension have on the placenta?

Answer 5

Vasoconstriction

Question 6

Maternal diabetes can cause foetal hyperinsulinaemia and increased foetal growth. What are the consequences of this?

Answer 6

Macrosomia
Polyuria, polyhydramnios
Increased O2 demands
Neonatal hypoglycaemia

Question 7

What is the leading cause of maternal death in pregnancy?

Answer 7

Venous thromboembolism

Question 8

A D-dimer test should be carried out in pregnancy to investigate PE. True/False?

Answer 8

False

Never do D-dimer in pregnancy; duplex ultrasound instead

Question 9

What drug is used to combat PE in pregnancy?

Answer 9

Heparin

Question 10

List some side effects of heparin

Answer 10

Haemorrhage
Hypersensitivity
Thrombocytopenia
Osteopenia

Question 11

Is warfarin ok to use in pregnancy?

Answer 11

Not really - assess INR

Question 12

Is warfarin ok to use while breastfeeding?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

In a person with epilepsy, during which trimester are they at increased risk of seizures?

Answer 13

1st trimester due to hyperemesis and haemodilution

Question 14

Which epileptic drug is especially associated with neural tube defects?

Answer 14

Sodium valproate

Question 15

What drug must be given from 36 weeks if a person is on an enzyme-inducer? Why?

Answer 15

Vitamin K agonist

Prevent haemorrhagic dissease of newborn