Medical problems & prescribing in pregnancy Flashcards
How does pregnancy affect maternal BP?
Vasodilation so BP falls in early pregnancy till 22-24 weeks then steady rise
How is gestational hypertension defined?
Hypertension (>140/90) in the second half of pregnancy that resolves <6 weeks post birth
No proteinuria or oedema
What is pre-eclampsia?
Hypertension + oedema + proteinuria (>0.3g/24hr)
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Headache Visual disturbance Rapid progressive oedema Nausea/vomiting Epigastric/RUQ pain
What is the prophylaxis for pre-eclampsia?
Low dose aspirin from 12 weeks if high risk
What efect does pregnancy have on renal diseas?
Decreased GFR
Increased serum uric acid
Increased creatinine/potassium/urea
What is HELLP syndrome?
Haemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelets
How is HELLP treated?
Steroids + delivery Seizure prevention (magnesium sulphate)
What is the most common liver disease of pregnancy?
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
What are the clinical features of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?
Pruritis (hands & soles of feet)
No rash
Jaundice
Raised bilirubin
How is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy managed?
Urso for symptomatic relief
Typically induced at 37 weeks
What are the clinical features of acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
Abdo pain Jaundice Nausea & vomiting Headache Hypoglycaemia Elevated ALT
What hypertensives are used to treat in pregnancy?
Labetalol
Methyldopa
Which anti-hypertensives should be avoided in pregnancy?
Diuretics + ACE inhibitors
What type of seizure presents in eclampsia?
Tonic-clonic seizure
What is the main cause of death in eclampsia?
Pulmonary oedema
Which diabetic medication is not safe in pregnancy and should be changed to insulin?
Sulphonylureas
How does diabetics antenatal care differ from a regular person?
etinal screening every trimester
37-38 weeks delivery
What blood glucose range should be aimed for with pregnant diabetics?
BM 4-6
HbA1c <6%
How is a DVT diagnosed in pregnancy?
D-dimer NOT used
Duplex US of the lower limb