ECLAMPSIA Flashcards
What is eclampsia
Elevated BP associated with proteinuria and convulsion
Nature of convulsion in eclampsia
Similar to epileptic fit, tonic and clonic phases followed by coma.
Fits are repetitive and last for short durations of 60-90 seconds
Obstetric complications of eclampsia
Foetal distress
Placental abruption
Symptoms
Fits
Unconsciousness
Treatment objectives in eclampsia
To protect the patient from injury
To prevent further fits
To lower the blood pressure
To monitor maternal and foetal complications
To prevent maternal mortality
To deliver the baby when the mother is stable
Investigations in eclampsia
FBC
Blood film for MPS
BUE
Urinalysis and culture
Ultrasound scan
Nonpharmacological management after the fits
Catheterise patient
Obtain IV access
Deliver foetus if mother is stable with no further fits
Initial non-pharmacological management of eclampsia
Lay patient in recovery position
Prevent patient from falling
Avoid restricting patient to prevent joint injury
Keeping patient NPO
Place patient in recovery position
Maintain airway
Artificial respiration during general anesthesia
Consider turning unconscious pospartum patients
How to maintain patient’s airway
Holding up chin if possible
or
Inserting mechanical airway to hold down the tongue
Purpose of ultrasound scan in eclampsia
to exclude multiple pregnancy
and/or molar pregnancy
Signs of eclampsia
Elevated BP
Proteinuria
Convulsions
Coma
Why do we avoid restricting patients with eclampsia
to prevent limb fractures and joint
dislocations
Why do we turn patients who are unconscious for extended periods
Prevent bed sores
Fluid replacement in eclampsia
Normal saline
Ringer’s lactae 1L/6hours max.
Maintenance dose for Mag. sulphate
IM 5g into alternating buttocks every 4 hours till 24 hours after last seizure or delivery
