Pre-eclampsia Flashcards
1
Q
How is pre-eclampsia characterised
A
Proteinuria + hypertension in pregnancy
2
Q
What causes pre-eclampsia
A
- Failure of trophoblastic invasion of spiral arteries
- Leaving them vasoactive
- Properly invaded they cannot constrict in response to vasoconstrictors
- The high BP is an effort to compensate for this
3
Q
What systems does pre-eclampsia effect
A
- Hepatic
- Renal
- Coagulation
4
Q
When does it develop and resolve
A
- Develops = 20wks
- Resolves = 6wks after delivery
5
Q
What can pre-eclampsia cause
A
- Stroke
- Multi-organ failure
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome
6
Q
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia
A
- Hx/FHx of pre-eclampsia
- DM
- Hypertension prior to pregnancy
- Autoimmune disease (SLE)
- Multiple pregnancy
7
Q
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
A
- Headache
- Flashing lights
- Epigastric/right upper quadrant pain
- Swelling of face, finger, lower limbs
May be asymptomatic
8
Q
Signs of pre-eclampsia
A
- Hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Brisk reflexes + clonus
- RUQ tenderness
9
Q
Severe complications of pre-eclampsia
A
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
- Cerebral haemorrhage
- IUGR
- Placental abruption
- Renal failure
10
Q
When to start anti-hypertensives
A
When BP is >150/100 (moderate pre-eclampsia)
11
Q
What BP is mild, moderate and severe pre-eclampsia
A
- Mild 140/90
- Moderate 150/100
- Severe 160/110
12
Q
What anti-hypertensives can be used to treat pre-eclampsia
A
- Nifedipine
- Methyl-dopa
- Labetalol
13
Q
Prophylactic Rx for seizures in pre-eclampsia
A
Magnesium sulphate
Sodium valproate is teratogenic
14
Q
What is eclampsia
A
Tonic-clonic seizure
15
Q
When does eclampsia occur most commonly
A
Postnatally
