Related articles: Pre-eclampsia
Definition
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, causing the onset of hypertension and proteinura. Typically, it develops after the 20th week of gestation and can last up to 6 weeks after the birth.
The causes of pre-eclampsia are unknown, but various risk factors have been identified; these include: obesity, family predisposition, pre-existing chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, thrombotic disorders and vascular alterations (eg kidney disorders, diabetic vasculopathy, etc.).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Increased transaminases
- Weight gain
- Small child for gestational age
- Swollen ankles
- Cyanosis
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Dyspnoea
- Premature release of the placenta
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Edema
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Swollen legs
- Legs tired, heavy legs
- Hydrops Fetal
- Hypertension
- Hyperuricemia
- Hypospadias
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Fetal death
- Nausea
- oligohydramnios
- oliguria
- petechiae
- thrombocytopenia
- Proteinuria
- Vaginal bleeding
- Foam in urine
- scotomas
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Confusional state
- Blurred vision
- He retched
Further indications
Pre-eclampsia can be asymptomatic or cause edema (especially of the face and hands), excessive weight gain, petechiae and other signs of bleeding. In severe cases, symptoms may include headache, visual disturbances, epigastric pain or in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (due to distension of the liver capsule), nausea and vomiting.
Pre-eclampsia can cause severe damage to organs, particularly to the brain, kidney and liver. Confusional states, dyspnoea, pulmonary edema, oliguria, acute renal failure, cerebral haemorrhage or heart attack may occur. A major complication of preeclampsia is early placental detachment. Other possible consequences for the unborn child are severe fetal growth retardation and birth of a strongly premature child.
Untreated pre-eclampsia can quickly and suddenly degenerate into eclampsia. This condition is manifested by seizures, possible brain damage and coma in the absence of other causes. Eclampsia can be fatal.
The diagnosis is based on the clinical and the result of blood count, urine analysis, electrolytes, prothrombin time, liver function tests and urinary protein dosage. The diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is confirmed in the presence, during the second half of pregnancy, of hypertension (systolic BP> 160 mmHg or diastolic BP> 110 mmHg) and proteinuria, particularly if accompanied by suggestive symptoms, increase in liver enzymes (transaminases ) or thrombocytopenia.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that must be strictly monitored. Treatment generally involves rigorous bed rest and frequent medical visits (or hospitalization), blood pressure control (sometimes with anti-hypertensive drugs), administration of magnesium sulfate (for prevention or treatment of epileptic seizures) and term delivery according to the most effective method.
