Page 15 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

features. The management of gestational hypertension and
22
that of preeclampsia without severe features is similar in many
aspects, and both require enhanced surveillance.

Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy associated with

new-onset hypertension, which occurs most often after 20
weeks of gestation and frequently near term. Although often

accompanied by new-onset proteinuria, hypertension and
other signs or symptoms of preeclampsia may present in

some women in the absence of proteinuria. It is important to
remember that most cases of preeclampsia occur in healthy

nulliparous women with no obvious risk factors. Studies
have found that using headache as a diagnostic criterion for

preeclampsia with severe features is unreliable and nonspecific.
Thus, an astute and circumspect diagnostic approach is

required when other corroborating signs and symptoms
indicative of severe preeclampsia are missing. Of note, in the

setting of a clinical presentation similar to preeclampsia, but at
gestational ages earlier than 20 weeks, alternative diagnoses

should to be considered, including but not limited to thrombotic
thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic–uremic syndrome, molar

pregnancy, renal disease, or autoimmune disease. Preeclampsia,
also known as toxemia, can cause serious problems for both the

mother and the baby if left untreated.
23

Hypertension-related disorders account for approximately 7.4

percent of the almost 800 pregnancy-related deaths that occur
each year In the United States.
24

22 Id.
23 Id.
24 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26158653/

Page 15