Pregnancy Emergencies Flashcards
What are common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
- Abdominal pain (one-sided)
- Vaginal discharge (prune-juice)
- Symptoms of rupture: sudden-onset lower abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, rectal pressure, sudden collapse
List the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy.
- Recent unprotected sexual intercourse
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility and assisted reproductive technology
- Use of progestin-only contraceptives
- Smoking
- Tubal abnormalities
What is the medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy?
IM methotrexate 50 mg/m2, contraindicated with concurrent intrauterine pregnancy.
How is eclampsia defined?
Eclampsia is defined as tonic-clonic seizures associated with pre-eclampsia.
What are the features of severe preeclampsia (PET)?
- Bruising (thrombocytopenia)
- Jaundice
- Epigastric or RUQ pain
- Headache
- Visual disturbance
- Dyspnea
What laboratory tests are used to screen for preeclampsia during antenatal appointments?
- Blood pressure measurement
- Urine dipstick
- Fetal heart auscultation
What are the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia?
- Hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg)
- Proteinuria (≥300 mg on 24-hour collection)
- Maternal organ dysfunction
- Uteroplacental dysfunction
What is the first-line treatment for severe preeclampsia?
Labetalol is the first-line antihypertensive treatment.
What is the role of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of eclampsia?
Magnesium sulfate lowers the risk of seizures and should be given once a decision to deliver has been made.
What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP syndrome = variant of preeclampsia characterised by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
What are the four T’s that cause postpartum hemorrhage?
- Tone
- Trauma
- Thrombin
- Tissue
What are the signs of hemodynamic instability?
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Prolonged capillary refill time
- Cool peripheries
What does TXA stand for, and what is its role in postpartum hemorrhage?
TXA stands for tranexamic acid, which is used to reduce major hemorrhage.
