Eclampsia

Question 1

First line management of eclampsia?

Answer 1

4g IV magnesium sulphate STAT

then 1g/hour as maintenance

Question 2

Second line management of eclampsia?

Answer 2

Diazepam/lorazepam

Question 3

Definitive management of eclampsia?

Answer 3

Delivery of baby

Question 4

What is HELLP syndrome?

Answer 4

Medical emergency caused by hypertensive disorders in pregnancy e.g. pre-eclampsia

Resulting in:
H - haemolysis
EL - elevated liver enzymes (high ALT/AST)
LP - low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

Question 5

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome?

Answer 5

Headache
N + V
Epigastric pain
RUQ pain (liver distension)
Blurred vision
Peripheral oedema

Question 6

Management of HELLP?

Answer 6

IV magnesium sulphate - Seizure prophylaxis

IV labetalol / oral nifedipine - hypertension management

IV dexamethasone - for fetal lung maturation due to early delivery

Platelets/FFP/cryoprecipitate to manage thrombocytopenia

RBC tranfusion to correct anaemia

Definitive - delivery