Preeclampsia Flashcards
What is preeclampsia?
New hypertension in pregnancy (>140/90) and proteinuria >20/40
What does preeclampsia affect?
Several organs including kidneys, brain, liver, NS
What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?
- New hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Headache +/- visual disturbances
- Epigastric pain
- Sudden oedema in hands/feet/face
- Reduced urine output
What are the 3 main complications of preeclampsia?
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
What is DIC?
Blood clots throughout the body
What is HELLP syndrome?
- Haemolysis
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Low platelets
What are some possible foetal complications of preeclampsia?
- IUGR
- Oligohydramnios
- Hypoxia
- Placental abruption
- Premature delivery
What medication is given to women with preeclampsia?
Asthmatic +/or Afro-Caribbean = Nifedipine (+ Hydralazine infusion)
Otherwise = Labetalol
What is eclampsia?
Seizures associated with preeclampsia (medical emergency)
What drug is used to treat eclamptic seizures?
Magnesium sulphate
What is the initial management for women having an eclamptic fit?
- Call for help
- L lateral position (if poss)
- High flow O2
- IV access and bloods
What are the doses used for MgSO4?
Loading = 4g over 5 mins
Maintenance = 1g/hr for 24 hours after last fit
Recurrent seizures = 2g bolus after each, then recommence maintenance dose
What bloods should be taken for preeclampsia?
FBC, G+S, Us+Es, LFTs, clotting, Mg levels if needed
What else should be monitored?
- Observations (MEWS)
- Catheterise and fluids
- CTG
- Neuro observations
What should NOT be given in 3rd stage?
Ergometrine
