Preeclampsia ; Definition, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management

Preeclampsia

Definition: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by:

1. High blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg)
2. Proteinuria (excess protein in urine)
3. Organ dysfunction (e.g., liver, kidneys, brain)

Types:

1. Mild preeclampsia: Blood pressure 140-159/90-109 mmHg
2. Severe preeclampsia: Blood pressure ≥160/110 mmHg
3. Preeclampsia with severe features: Organ dysfunction or fetal growth restriction
4. Eclampsia: Seizures occurring in preeclampsia

Risk Factors:

1. First pregnancy
2. Previous preeclampsia
3. Chronic hypertension
4. Kidney disease
5. Diabetes
6. Obesity
7. Multiple gestations
8. Family history
9. Age ≥35

Symptoms:

1. Headaches
2. Vision changes
3. Abdominal pain
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Fatigue
6. Swelling in face, hands, or feet

Diagnostic Criteria:

1. Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg
2. Proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 hours)
3. Organ dysfunction

Management:

1. Bed rest
2. Blood pressure monitoring
3. Corticosteroids (for fetal lung maturation)
4. Magnesium sulfate (for seizure prevention)
5. Antihypertensive medications
6. Hospitalization
7. Delivery (vaginal or cesarean)

Complications:

1. Eclampsia
2. Stroke
3. Kidney failure
4. Liver rupture
5. Placental abruption
6. Fetal growth restriction
7. Preterm birth

#Preeclampsia