Eclampsia

Question 1

what is this

Answer 1

severe pre-eclampsia is complication with generalised convulsions

Question 2

what is PRE eclampsia

Answer 2

hypertension disorder of pregnancy with multi-organ involvement

Question 3

what is PRE eclampsia characterised by

Answer 3

new onset raised bp

proteinuria - after 20 weeks of gestation

Question 4

Pre-eclampsia is most common in the?

Answer 4

antepartum - 50%
intrapartum - 30%
post partum - 20%

Question 5

why does pre-eclampsia occur

Answer 5

result of cerebral oedema and/or cerebral haemorrhage

Question 6

Clinical features (4)

Answer 6

• headache
• bp > 160 bpm systolic
• hyperflexia
• visual changes

Question 7

the seizures are

Answer 7

tonic clonic

Question 8

important differentials for eclampsia (3)

Answer 8

• epilepsy
• encephalitis
• metabolic disorders

Question 9

How is eclampsia managed

Answer 9

emergency !!!
ABC APPRAOCH

• secure airway, IV access, take bloods

Question 10

What bloods should be taken for assessment (4)

Answer 10

LFT
U&E
COAGULATION
FBC

Question 11

Management (3) give examples

Answer 11

magnesium sulphate
anti-hypertensives - labetolol, hydralazine
prompt delivery

Question 12

how is magnesium sulphate given?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Answer 12

IV

• cerebral dilatation
• blocks calcium at the synaptic nerve endings

Question 13

when should magnesium sulphate be continued

Answer 13

24 hours after delivery

Question 14

What should be monitored whilst on magnesium sulphate ?

Answer 14

RR
urine output
reflexes

Question 15

what should be given if toxicity from magnesium sulphate occurs?

Answer 15

calcium gluconate

Question 16

what is the only cure for eclampsia

- what complications should be looked out for?

Answer 16

delivery

• HELP syndrome
• DIC
• acute resp distress
• pulmonary oedema
• aspiration
• fetal hypoxia
• increased maternal mortality

Question 17

what is given to decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia in subsequent pregancies?

Answer 17

low dose aspirin from 12 weeks gestation