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Eclampsia is the onset of seizures (convulsions) in a woman with pre-eclampsia. [1] Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that presents with three main features: new onset of high blood pressure, large amounts of protein in the urine or other organ dysfunction, and edema.
Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension occurs when a pregnant woman with chronic hypertension develops signs of pre-eclampsia, typically defined as new onset of proteinuria ≥30 mg/dL (1+ in the dipstick) in at least 2 random urine specimens that were collected ≥4 h apart (but within a 7-day interval) or 0.3 g in a 24-h period. [19]
In general, the treatment of postpartum preeclampsia is the same as during pregnancy, including using anti-hypertensive medications to lower blood pressure and magnesium sulfate to prevent eclampsia. The same blood pressure medications that are used during pregnancy can be used in the postpartum period.
Miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are both very rare in other species, but are two of the most common pregnancy-related diseases in humans. [24] The genetic roots of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia are certain, as women with a family history of the condition are three times more likely to develop it when they are pregnant. [25]
When it occurs in pregnancy it is known as eclampsia. [2] The diagnosis requires ruling out other possible causes. [1] The condition is generally treated with medications to relatively rapidly lower the blood pressure. [2] [3] This may be done with labetalol or sodium nitroprusside given by injection into a vein. [2]
Potential severe hypertensive states of pregnancy are mainly: Pre-eclampsia – gestational hypertension, proteinuria (>300 mg), and edema. Severe pre-eclampsia involves a BP over 160/110 (with additional signs). It affects 5–8% of pregnancies. [20] Eclampsia – seizures in a pre-eclamptic patient, affect around 1.4% of pregnancies. [21]
This is particularly true if the pregnancy is beyond 34 weeks of gestation. [2] Medications may be used to decrease blood pressure and blood transfusions may be required. [1] HELLP syndrome occurs in about 0.7% of pregnancies and affects about 15% of women with eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia. [5] [2] Death of the mother is uncommon (< 1%).
Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can include swelling, protein in the urine, headaches, vomiting, and abnormal labs that assess kidney and liver function, some of which may be considered severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. [11] Post-term pregnancy; Breathing problems; Anemia; Abnormal position and presentation of the fetus; Multiple births ...