Preeclampsia/HTN Flashcards
What are the classifications of hypertensive conditions in pregnancy?
- Chronic HTN
- Gestational HTN
- New proteinuria
- Preeclampsia PE
- Superimposed preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
How is gestational HTN diagnosed?
Above 140/90 resting BP on at least 2 occasions within a week.
After 20 weeks.
Previously normotensive.
BP returns to normal 6-12 weeks PP.
What is new proteinuria?
- Dipstick test shows 1+ on dipstick.
- Random sample shows Protein:Creatinine ratio >30mg/mmol.
- Urine protein excretion >300mg/24hrs.
What are the signs of preeclampsia?
- new HTN (>140/90) with proteinuria (300mg/24hrs) after 20 weeks.
- Headache, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, altered biochemistry.
What is super-imposed PE?
When PE develops in a woman with existing HTN and/or proteinuria.
What are the signs of eclampsia?
Seizures during pregnancy and PP period.
What happens to the CVS with eclampsia?
- Hypovolaemia
- Haemoconcentration (increased cap permeability and reduced intravascular plasma vol.).
- Pulmonary oedema (severe cases). This causes impaired oxygenation and cyanosis.
What happens when the clotting system is activated with eclampsia?
- DIC (formation of fibrin clots and platelets trapped thrombocytopenia)
- Fibrin and platelet deposition in vessels (occlusion of vessels and damage to major organs).
How does eclampsia effect the kidneys?
- vasospasm of renal arterioles
- decreased renal blood flow
- glomerular capillaries damaged
- plasma protein issues leading to proteinuria
- When left untreated can lead to oliguria
How does eclampsia affect the liver?
- Vasoconstriction of hepatic vascular bed leading to hypoxia and oedema of hepatic cells
- Epigastric pain due to haemorrhage in the liver and, in rare cases, liver rupture.
How does eclampsia affect the brain?
- increases permeability of the BBB leading to cerebral oedema and microhaemorrhages.
- Autoregulation of cerebral flow is disrupted. This leads to cerebral vasospasm and oedema, blood clot formation (HTN encephalopathy).
How does eclampsia affect the fetoplacental unity?
- reduces blood flow to uterus (placental abruption)
- Reduced 02 for placental perfusion.
- Ischaemic placental tissue leading to infarctions and IUGR.
- Compromised hormonal output which leads to a compromised baby.
When is medication considered for chronic HTN?
If BP can not be kept <140/90
What is the management for chronic HTN?
- close monitoring
- normal diet with salt restriction
- Advise regarding rest and weight control
- Monitor fetal growth
- IOL at 38 weeks or earlier if the BP rises.
When does a woman need to be admitted for chronic HTN?
> 160/100