Page 92 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing

2- Hyperthyroidism develops in 10% of cases manifested by enlarged

thyroid gland, tachycardia, and elevated plasma thyroxin level.

3- Breast signs of pregnancy.

Abdominal examination:

1- The uterus is larger than the period of amenorrhea in 50% of cases,

corresponds to it in 25% and smaller in 25% with inactive or dead

mole.

2- The uterus is doughy in consistency

3- Fetal parts and heart sound cannot be detected except in partial

mole.

Local examination:

1- Passage of vesicles (sure sign).

2- Bilateral ovarian cysts (5-20 cm) in 50% of cases.

(C) Investigations:

1- Urine pregnancy test: is positive in high dilution.

2- Serum (β-HCG level: is highly elevated (> 100.000 mlU/ml).

3- Ultrasonography reveals:

• The characteristic intrauterine “snowstorm" appearance,

• no identifiable fetus,

• bilateral ovarian cysts may be detected.

4- X-ray: shows no fetal skeleton.

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