PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION Flashcards
(44 cards)
Refers to a spectrum of hypertensive disorders unique to pregnancy. These conditions increase maternal & fetal risks and require careful monitoring and management
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Is a form of high blood pressure in pregnancy
Pregnancy-induced Hypertension
When does PIH develop?
Develops after the 20th week of pregnancy in a woman who has not previously had high blood pressure
What causes increase resistance of blood vessels?
Due to thedecrease in the diameter of the blood vessels which may hinder blood flow.
Classifications of PIH
- Gestational Hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia with HELLP Syndrome
High blood pressure that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy in a woman who did not have hypertension before (normotensive woman)
Gestational Hypertension
Characteristics of Gestational Hypertension
- No protein in the urine
- Blood pressure returns to normal w/n 6-12 weeks after delivery
- Mild to moderate in severity
- May resolve after birth
A more severe form of hypertension in pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure & the presence of proteinuria or signs of organ damage
Pre-eclampsia
Characteristics of Pre-eclampsia
- Proteinuria
- Lead to organ damage, severe swelling, vision changes & other symptoms
- May develop into eclampsia
Results of a Dipstic urinalysis when testing for presence of proteinuria
Greater than or equal to +1
Result when testing for presence of protein in the urine using a 24-hour urine collection
Greater than or equal to 300 mg/24 hours
When does 24-hour urine collection done?
First thing in the morning by **discarding the first morning void **and then collecting all of the urine for the remaining 24 hour period
3 Diagnostic Criteria for Pre-eclampsia
- High blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation measured on 2 separate occasions, at least 4 hrs apart
- Proteinuria or other signs of kidney/liver dysfunction or thrombocytopenia
- Evidence of organ dysfunction.
- elevated liver enzymes
- kidney problems
- low platelet count
- RUQ
A life-threatening complication of pre-eclampsia, where high blood pressure, proteinuria, and seizure occur
Eclampsia
Characteristics of Eclampsia
- occurs when preeclampsia is not controlled
- seizures - sign of severe complication
- requires emergency medical intervention & often delivery of the baby regardless of gestational age.
Occurs when a woman has pre-existing hypertension (diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks) & then develops preeclampsia during the pregnancy
Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia
Characteristics of Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia
- Hypertension exists before pregnancy, & proteinuria or signs of organ damage appear later
- More complicated to manage due to the combination of pre-existing hypertension & pregnancy-related hypertensio
Is life-threatening conidtion in which a patient experiences seizures along with HELLP syndrome. This condition can lead to severe complications like liver damage, bleeding, kidney failure, and risks to fetal health.
Eclampsia with HELLP syndrome
Characteristics of Eclampsia with HELLP syndrome
- Presence of seizure
- H- hemolysis (destruction of RBCs)
-
EL - Elevated liver enzymes indicating liver damage
*** LP **- Low platelet count, leads to bleeding problems - Requires immedicated medical attention & may necessitate early delivery of the bay
Risk Factors associated with PIH
- History of hypertension
- First Pregnancy
- Maternal Age
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancy
- Family history
- Pre-existing conditions
- Low socioeconomic status
- History or pre-eclampsia
Why are primigravida at higer risk for PIH compared to women with previous pregnancies?
due to: immune system adaptation, placental development, vascular & hormonal changes.
Key players in the development of pre-eclampsia
- Spiral arteries of the uterus
- Placenta
- Endothelial cells of the blood vessels