Preeclampsia has already been largely dealt with under “hypertension”, which is one of the symptoms of the “triad of pre-eclampsia”.
High blood pressure, edema and protein in urine are these three pre eclampsia symptoms.
The reason why this condition develops in some women is still only partially understood, but we do know that early recognition and treatment are important. Apart from urine tests the physician will monitor for hypertension frequently. Bedrest and magnesium sulfate are the major treatment modalities. The magnesium sulfate is given as an intravenous drip. In severe cases the obstetrician may have to decide to terminate the pregnancy by caesarean section and the babies are cared for by a neonatologist in a baby nursery for premature babies. Careful risk planning with the involvement of the family is important.
The HELLP syndrome (=hemolyis, low liver enzymes and low platelets) is a variety of the more severe forms of preeclampsia, which occurs in about 5% of cases. Due to increased blood clot formation these patients develop liver inflammation, breakdown of red blood cells and a low platelet count. There is controversy whether or not intervention with low dose aspirin (60mg per day) would make a difference. At this point in time there has not been a significant improvement in several clinical series, but there is an increased risk of placenta separation (“abruptio placentae”), which is associated with fetal death (Ref. 18, p. 950).
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