Pre-eclampsia overview
|
Pre-eclampsia Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Pre-eclampsia overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pre-eclampsia overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pre-eclampsia overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [2]
Overview
Pre-eclampsia (US: preeclampsia) is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension) in association with significant protein in the urine. Its cause remains unclear, although the principal cause appears to be a substance or substances from the placenta causing endothelial dysfunction in the maternal blood vessels.[1] While blood pressure elevation is the most visible sign of the disease, it involves generalized damage to the maternal endothelium and kidneys and liver, with the release of vasopressive factors only secondary to the original damage.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure (two separate readings taken at least 6 hours apart of 140/90 or more). A rise in baseline BP of 20 systolic or 15 diastolic, while not meeting the absolute criteria of 140/90 is still considered important to note but no longer diagnostic. Swelling, or edema, (especially in the hands and face) was originally considered an important sign for a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, but in current medical practice, only hypertension and proteinuria are necessary for a diagnosis. However, unusual swelling, particularly of the hands, feet, or face, notable by leaving an indentation when pressed on, can be significant and should be reported to the health-care provider.
References
- ↑ Drife JO, Magowan (eds). Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, chapter 39, pp 367-370. ISBN 0-7020-1775-2.