Obstetrics COPY Flashcards
A 28-year-old woman presents at 36 weeks’ gestation with rupture of membranes. On examination she is found to have 7 cm cervical dilatation. She received all of her prenatal care, and her only complication was a course of antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria. GBS screening was negative. Her first baby was hospitalized for 10 days after delivery for GBS pneumonia and sepsis. What is the most appropriate management?
a. Administer intrapartum IV penicillin
b. Administer intramuscular azithromycin
c. Rescreen for group B streptococci
d. Schedule cesarean section
e. No intervention is needed
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12602-12613). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A. Intrapartum IV penicillin is indicated because the patient’s previous birth was complicated with neonatal GBS sepsis.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12602-12613). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
True or False:
- Thirty percent of women have asymptomatic vaginal colonization with GBS
- Vertical transmission results in pneumonia and sepsis in the neonate within hours to days of birth
- There is a 50 percent mortality rate with neonatal infection
- GBS-related meningitis occurs after the first week and is a hospital-acquired infection that is related to vertical transmission
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- True
- True
- True
- False. The infection is unrelated to vertical transmission
List the Rx of GBS
- Intrapartum IV penicillin G
- Penicillin allergy: IV cefazolin, clindamycin, or erythromycin
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Indications for Rx of GBS
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- GBS (+) urine, cervical, or vaginal culture at any time during pregnancy
- Presence of high-risk factors:
- Preterm delivery
- Membrane rupture > 18 hours
- Maternal fever
- Previous baby with GBS sepsis
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Exceptions to antibiotic use in GBS
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12634-12654). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Planned c-section without rupture of membranes (even if culture is [+])
- Culture (+) on a previous pregnancy, but culture (–) in the current pregnancy
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12634-12654). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Interpret the following results:
- IgG antibodies to GBS in the mother
- IgM antibodies to GBS in the mother
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Past exposure and are protective
- Suggests recent exposure and risk of exposure to the fetus.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12613-12632). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Toxoplasmosis in the infant:
- Causative organism
- Risk factors (RF)
- Prevention
- Rx
- Toxoplasma gondii
- RF:
- Patient handling cat feces or litter boxes
- Drinking raw goat milk
- Eating raw meat.
- Prevention: Avoid risk factors
- Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12634-12654). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnosis:
- Chorioretinitis
- Intracranial calcifications
- Hydrocephalus
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12634-12654). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 29-year-old woman (G2 P1) is at 34 weeks’ gestation. She complains of uterine contractions every 5 minutes. Her previous records are not available. During the last few days, she has developed diffuse pruritic vesicles on her neck, which appear to be also developing on her chest and breasts. She has a fever and complains of malaise. Which of the following is the next step in management?
a. Oral acyclovir
b. RhoGAM
c. Varicella zoster antibody assay
d. Varicella vaccine
e. Varicella zoster immunoglobulin
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12661-12673). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
C. Varicella antibodies are seen in 90 percent of pregnant women due to prior infection. Varicella antibodies are protective, and no therapy is necessary
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12661-12673). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Diagnosis:
- Zigzag” skin lesions
- Limb hypoplasia
- Microcephaly
- Microphthalmia
- Chorioretinitis
- Cataracts.
- Prevention of above
- Rx of above
- Neonatal varicella infection. Transplacental infection results from primary varicella infection in the mother (25– 40 percent infection rate). The greatest risk to the fetus is if a rash appears in the mother between 5 days antepartum and 2 days postpartum.
- Prevention
- Vaccination: Live-attenuated varicella virus (Varivax III) to nonpregnant women
- Postexposure prophylaxis: VariZIG (antivaricella antibodies) or varicella zoster immunoglobulin within 96 hours of exposure. VariZIG/ VZIG does not prevent infection but only attenuates the clinical effects of the virus.
- Treatment
- Maternal varicella: VariZIG to mother and neonate
- Congenital varicella: VariZIG and IV acyclovir to the neonate
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12674-12691). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnosis:
- Congenital deafness (most common sequelae)
- Ccongenital heart disease (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA)
- Cataracts
- Mental retardation
- Hhepatosplenomegaly
- Tthrombocytopenia
- “Blueberry muffin” rash
Prevention?
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12674-12691). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnosis: Congenital rubella
Prevetion:
- Perform first-trimester screening and have mother avoid infected individuals
- Immunize seronegative women after delivery
- No postexposure prophylaxis is available
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12692-12713). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 24-year-old child-care worker is 29 weeks pregnant and is currently working. One of the children was diagnosed with rubella last week. Rubella antigen testing is performed and her IgG titer is negative. What is the risk of neonatal transmission in this patient? What is the next step in management?
a. Give anti-rubella antibodies
b. Give betamethasone
c. Give rubella vaccine now
d. Give rubella vaccine after delivery
e. Ultrasound of the fetus
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12692-12713). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
D. There is no postexposure prophylaxis available, and immunization during pregnancy is contraindicated (live vaccine). The only correct management is to await normal delivery and give vaccination to the mother after delivery
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12692-12713). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnosis:
- Most common congenital viral syndrome in the United States
- Most common cause of sensorineural deafness in children
- Spread by infected body fluid secretions
- The greatest risk for vertical transmission occurs with primary infection (infection rate is 50 percent)
- Most mothers develop asymptomatic infections or describe mild, mononucleosis-like symptoms.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12692-12713). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)/Congenital CMV
About 10% of infants with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12692-12713). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnosis:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Prematurity
- Microcephaly
- Jjaundice
- Petechiae
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Periventricular calcifications
- Chorioretinitis
- Pneumonitis
Congenital CMV
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12713-12729). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Interpretation of results:
- Maternal IgG (+) / IgM (–)
- Maternal IgG (+) / IgM (+)
- Maternal IgG (–) / IgM (+) indicates recent infection.
- Indicates past exposure and no risk for primary infection
- Indicates recent infection
- Indicates recent infection
Perform a viral culture from urine or other body fluids in first 2 weeks of life and CMV DNA-PCR
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12713-12729). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Prevention of CMV
- Rx of CMV
- Prevention:
- Follow universal precautions with all body fluids.
- Avoid transfusion with CMV-positive blood
- Treatment:
- Antiviral therapy with ganciclovir. This prevents viral shedding and prevents hearing loss but does not cure the infection
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12713-12729). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 21-year-old multipara is admitted to the birthing unit at 39 weeks gestation in active labor at 6 cm dilation. Membranes are intact. She has a history of genital herpes preceding the pregnancy. Her last outbreak was 8 weeks ago. She now complains of pain and pruritus. On examination, she had localized, painful, ulcerative lesions on her right vaginal wall. Which of the following is the next step in management?
a. Administer IV acyclovir
b. Administer terbutaline
c. Obtain culture of ulcer
d. Proceed with vaginal delivery
e. Schedule cesarean section
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12729-12748). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
E. Active genital herpes is an indication for cesarean section. The only other infection-related indication for cesarean section is HIV sero-positive status of the mother
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12729-12748). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
True or False:
- The most common cause of transmission is contact with maternal genital lesions during an active HSV episode.
- Transplacental infection can also occur with primary infections during pregnancy (50 percent risk).
- Greatest risk is primary infection in the third trimester.
- Neonatal infection acquired during delivery has 50 percent mortality rate.
- Surviving infants develop meningoencephalitis, mental retardation, pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and petechiae.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12729-12748). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12729-12748). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Diagnostic test for HSV
Rx of HSV
Diagnostic Testing (+) HSV culture from vesicle fluid or ulcer or HSV PCR of maternal blood (not screened routinely)
Rx: Acyclovir
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12729-12748). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Prevention of HSV
- Perform c-section in women with lesions suspicious for active genital HSV at the time of labor
- Do not use fetal scalp electrodes for monitoring (increased risk of HSV transmission)
- Manage expectantly for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or prolonged rupture of membranes (ROM) (i.e., > 8–12 hours)
- Advise standard precautions (avoid intercourse if partner has active lesions, avoid oral sex in presence of oral lesions, avoid kissing neonate in presence of oral lesions)
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12749-12766). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 24-year-old HIV positive female (G2 P1) presents in her 16th week of pregnancy. Her previous child was diagnosed HIV positive after vaginal delivery. What is the most effective method of decreasing the risk of vertical transmission?
a. Avoidance of artificial rupture of membranes
b. Avoidance of breastfeeding
c. Antiretroviral triple therapy
d. Cesarean section
e. Zidovudine monotherapy
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12749-12766). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
C. All of the strategies are recommended, however. Zidovudine (ZDV) monotherapy is not as effective as triple therapy in decreasing the risk of HIV transmission to the fetus (25 percent to 8 percent). Triple antiretroviral therapy is indicated for more effective management of HIV in the mother to drive the viral load to < 1,000. ZDV monotherapy alone is never indicated. Cesarean section (before rupture of membranes), avoidance of breastfeeding or intrapartum invasive procedures (artificial ROM, fetal scalp electrodes) also decreases transmission rate. Combination of all of the above strategies listed above reduces the transmission rate to 1 percent.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12749-12766). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
HIV
- True or False: Major route of vertical transmission is contact with infected genital secretions at the time of vaginal delivery
- What is the vertical transmission rate without Rx
- True or False: . Elective cesarean is of most benefit in women with low CD4 counts and high RNA viral loads (> 1,000)
- True or False: All neonates of HIV-positive women will have positive HIV tests from transplacental passive IgG passage
- True or False: Zidovudine monotherapy is no longer indicated for anyone
- Continue antiretrovirals in pregnancy for HIV (+) patients with low CD4 counts and/ or high viral load.
- True
- 25– 30 percent
- True
- True
- True
- True
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12766-12786). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Outline Prevention and Rx of HIV in pregnancy
- Triple-drug therapy (which must include ZDV):
- Starting at 14 weeks for mothers who have high CD4 counts and do not need medication for their own health and continuing throughout pregnancy
- Intravenous intrapartum ZDV
- Combination ZDV-based ART for 6 weeks after delivery
- Give the infant prophylaxis against pneumocystis pneumonia (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) and continue for 6 weeks after AZT therapy has been completed
- Schedule C-section at 38 weeks unless < 1,000 viral copies/mL
- Advise the mother not to breastfeed
- Avoid invasive procedures (e.g., artificial rupture of membranes, fetal scalp electrodes).
HIV-infected pregnant women should receive ART therapy regardless of HIV RNA level
Do a c-section of the mother’s viral load is > 1,000 at the time of delivery.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12766-12786). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- True or False: Prior syphilis infection confers immunity
- True or False: Transplacental infection results from primary and secondary infection (60 percent risk of transmission)
- True or False: The lowest risk of transmission is with latent or tertiary infection.
- False
- True
- True
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12789-12804). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
List the symptoms/outcomes of early acquired (first trimester) congenital syphilis
- Nonimmune hydrops fetalis
- Maculopapular or vesicular peripheral rash
- Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly
- Large and edematous placenta
- Perinatal mortality rates ~ 50 percent
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12789-12804). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
List the symptoms/outcomes of late acquired congenital syphilis
Hutchinson teeth
“Mulberry” molars
“Saddle” nose
“Saber” shins
Deafness (cranial nerve 8 palsy)
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12789-12804). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- True or False: C-section will not prevent vertical transmission of syphilis, because it happens through the placenta before birth
- True or False: Always order an HIV test in any pregnant patient who has tested positive for an STD
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12804-12820). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- True
- True
Diagnosis and Rx of syphilis in pregnancy
Diagnostic Testing
- VDRT or RPR screening in first trimester. Confirm (+) screen with FTA-ABS or MHA-TP
- Screening test will be falsely negative in primary syphilis. – When the case describes a woman with a painless genital ulcer, order darkfield microscopy for diagnosis of primary syphilis
Treatment
- Benzathine penicillin IM × 1 for (+) mothers
- Penicillin allergy: Oral desensitization followed by full dose benzathine penicillin
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12804-12820). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 34-year-old multigravida presents for prenatal care in the second trimester. She admits to a past history of substance abuse but states she has been clean for 6 months. With her second pregnancy, she experienced a preterm delivery at 34 weeks’ gestation of a male neonate who died within the first day of life. She states that at delivery, the baby was swollen with skin lesions and that the placenta was very large. She was treated with antibiotics, but she does not remember their name or other details. On a routine prenatal panel with this current pregnancy, she is found to have a positive VDRL test. What is the next step in management?
a. FTA-ABS
b. Intramuscular penicillin
c. Lupus anticoagulant
d. Oral penicillin
e. RPR
f. Ultrasound
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12804-12820). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A. The next step after any positive screening test is the confirmatory test before starting therapy. FTA-ABS or MHA-TP are the confirmatory tests for syphilis. Once syphilis is confirmed, the most appropriate management is intramuscular penicillin
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12804-12820). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition
- Ways of acquisition of neonatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
- How many percent of neonates who get infected develop chronic hepatitis
- Neonatal HBV:
- In the third trimester
- Ingestion of infected genital secretions during vaginal delivery
- 80 percent compared with only 10 percent of infected adults.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12821-12846). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 29-year-old multigravida was found on routine prenatal laboratory testing to be positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. She is an intensive care unit nurse. She received 2 units of packed red blood cells 2 years ago after experiencing postpartum hemorrhage with her last pregnancy. Which of the following indicates the greatest risk of transmission?
a. Anti-HBc
b. Anti-HBs
c. HBe Ag
d. HBs Ag
e. IgM anti-HBc
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12821-12846). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
C. Mothers who are (+) for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and IgM anti-HBc are acutely infected. There is only a 10 percent vertical transmission risk. Mothers who are also (+) for HBeAg have an 80 percent risk of transmission to fetus. Anti-HBs (antibody to surface antigen) indicates immunity to infection from previous immunization.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12821-12846). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Prevention of HBV infection in the neonate
- Hepatitis B infection is not an indication for cesarean delivery.
- Avoid invasive procedures during pregnancy (e.g., amniocentesis)
- Breastfeeding is not contraindicated after the neonate has received active immunization and HBIG
- Immunization:
- HBsAg-negative: Give active immunization during pregnancy
- Postexposure prophylaxis for the mother: HBIG (antibodies to hepatitis B) passive immunization
- Treatment:
- Hepatitis immunization and HBIG in neonate
- Chronic HBV can be treated with either interferon or lamivudine
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12846-12866). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
List the contraindications to breastfeeding
- Infections in the mother:
- HIV
- Active tuberculosis
- HTLV-1
- Herpes simplex if there is a lesion on the breast
- Use of drugs/ medications
- Drugs of abuse (except cigarettes, alcohol)
- Cytotoxic medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine)
- Condition of the infant – Galactosemia
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12850-12860). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Hypertension (BP ≥ 140/ 90 mm Hg) during pregnancy can be classified as chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension. Both types of hypertension predispose the mother and the fetus to more serious conditions
List the differential diagnosis of hypertension that is accompanied by signs and symptoms of end-organ damage or neurological sequelae
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12867-12887). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12867-12887). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Warning signs of maternal jeopardy in HTN in pregnancy
- Hallmark symptoms:
- Headache
- Epigastric pain
- Changes in vision
- Signs:
- Pulmonary edema
- Oliguria (Peripheral edema is not a warning sign.)
- Labs:
- Thrombocytopenia
- Elevated liver enzymes
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12867-12887). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Risk of sustained maternal HTN on the fetus
IUGR
Hypoxia
Abruptio placenta
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12888-12906). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Define:
Chronic HTN
Gestational HTN
Preeclampsia
Mild preeclampsia
Severe preeclampsia
Chronic hypertension is the diagnosis when there is a history of elevated blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks’ gestation
Gestational hypertension is the diagnosis when blood pressure develops after 20 weeks’ gestation and returns to normal baseline by 6 weeks post-partum. It occurs more commonly in multifetal pregnancy
Preeclampsia is the diagnosis when there is proteinuria and/ or presence of “warning signs.”
Mild preeclampsia is indicated with:
- Sustained BP elevation > 140/ 90 mm Hg
- Proteinuria of 1– 2 + (on dipstick) or > 300 mg (on a 24-hour urine)
Severe preeclampsia is indicated by mild preeclampsia plus one of the following:
- Sustained BP elevation > 160/110 mm Hg
- Proteinuria of 3– 4 + (on dipstick) or > 5 g (on 24-hour urine)
- Presence of “warning signs”
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12888-12906). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
List the risk factors for preeclampsia
- Primiparas are most at risk.
- Multiple gestation
- Hydatidi-form mole
- Diabetes mellitus
- Age extremes
- Chronic hypertension
- Chronic renal disease
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12906-12927). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 19-year-old primigravida presents at 32 weeks’ gestation for routine follow-up. She denies headache, epigastric pain, or visual disturbances. She has gained 2 pounds since her last visit 2 weeks ago. On examination, her blood pressure is 155/ 95, which is persistent on repeat BP check 10 minutes later. She has only trace pedal edema. Which of the following is the next step in management?
a. Begin methyldopa
b. Begin labetalol
c. Perform an electrocardiogram
d. Perform a fetal ultrasound
e. Perform urinalysis
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12906-12927). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
E. Always rule out preeclampsia in a hypertensive pregnant patient. Even if she is asymptomatic, proteinuria indicates preeclampsia and a worse prognosis
Seizure disorder is not a risk factor for eclampsia.
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12906-12927). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Define:
Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia
Eclampsia
HELLP
Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia is the diagnosis when there is chronic hypertension with increasingly severe hypertension, proteinuria, and/ or “warning signs.”
Eclampsia is the diagnosis when the case describes unexplained grand mal seizures in a hypertensive and/ or proteinuric pregnant woman in the last half of pregnancy. Patients present with same signs and symptoms as in pre-eclampsia with the addition of unexplained tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures from severe diffuse cerebral vasospasm cause cerebral perfusion deficits and edema.
HELLP syndrome is the diagnosis when there is hemolysis (H), elevated liver (EL) enzymes, and low platelets (LP).
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12906-12927). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Outline the diagnostic tests to be done in HTN in pregnancy
- CBC
- ↑ hemoglobin, ↑ hematocrit
- Chem-12 panel
- ↑ blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ↑ serum creatinine, and ↑ serum uric acid
- Coagulation panel
- DIC, elevated liver enzymes (severe preeclampsia)
- Urinalysis with urinary protein
- Proteinuria
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12927-12946). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Rx of HTN in pregnancy
Blood pressure control
The only definitive cure is delivery and removal of all fetal-placental tissue
Blood pressure control:
- Don’t treat unless BP > 160/ 100 mm Hg (antihypertensives decrease uteroplacental blood flow)
- Goal SBP is 140– 150 mm Hg and DBP is 90– 100 mm Hg
- Maintenance therapy:
- First line therapy is methyldopa
- Second line therapy is β-blockers (labetalol, atenolol). Watch out for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is associated with β-blocker use in pregnancy
- Acutely elevated BP/ treatment of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia:
- Intravenous hydralazine or labetalol
- Never give ACE inhibitors or start thiazide diuretics during pregnancy
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12947-12974). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
HTN in pregnancy
Seizure management and prophylaxis
Monitoring
Seizure management and prophylaxis:
- Protect the patient’s airway and tongue
- Give IV MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate) bolus for seizure and infusion for continued prophylaxis
Monitoring:
- Serial sonograms (evaluate for intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR])
- Serial BP monitoring and urine protein
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12947-12974). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
HTN in pregnancy
Mgnt of labor
- Induce labor if ≥ 36 weeks with mild preeclampsia: attempt vaginal delivery with IV oxytocin if mother and fetus are stable
- Aggressive, prompt delivery is the best step for severe/ superimposed pre-eclampsia or eclampsia at any gestational age
- Give intrapartum IV MgSO4 and hydralazine and/ or labetalol to manage BP
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12947-12974). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
A 32-year-old multigravida at 36 weeks’ gestation was found to have BP 160/ 105 on routine prenatal visit. Previous BP readings were normal. She complained of some right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain. Urinalysis showed 3 + proteinuria. She is emergently induced for labor and delivers an 8 lb. 3 oz. boy. Two days after delivery, routine labs reveal elevated total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Platelet count is 85,000. Postpartum evaluation reveals that she has no complaints of headache or visual changes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Cholecystitis
b. HELLP syndrome
c. Hepatitis
d. Gestational thrombocytopenia
e. Preeclampsia
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12974-12995). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
B. Patient has evidence of hemolysis (elevated LDH), elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12974-12995). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
List the features of gestational thrombocytopenia
- Most common cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy
- Mild: Counts > 70,000
- Not associated with other abnormalities, and no symptoms
- Usually develops in third trimester
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12974-12995). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
HELLP syndrome occurs in 5– 10 percent of preeclamptic patients. It typically presents in the third trimester but may occur in the postpartum period,commonly presenting 2 days after delivery. Risk factors differ from preeclampsia, since HELLP syndrome is more common in whites, multigravids, and women of older maternal age.
Outline the treatment
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12996-13007). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.
- Schedule immediate delivery at any gestational age
- Give IV corticosteroids (dexamethasone) when platelets < 100,000/mm3 both antepartum and postpartum; continue until platelet count is > 100,000/mm3 and liver function normalizes
- Give platelet transfusion if platelet count < 20,000/mm3 or platelet count < 50,000/mm3 if cesarean section will be performed
- IV MgSO4 for seizure prophylaxis, even if BP is normal
- Steroids may also need to be considered for assistance with fetal lung maturation if prior to 36 weeks
Fischer, Conrad (2012-09-22). Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 (Kaplan Medical Usmle Master the Boards Step 3) (Kindle Locations 12996-13007). Kaplan Publishing. Kindle Edition.