Views: 61
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are two serious health conditions that come under hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These disorders are more common in high-risk pregnancies and can lead to severe complications – even fatal – if not detected and managed early. According to a recent report published by WHO, there are around 46,000 maternal deaths due to preeclampsia per year and around 500,000 newborn deaths. Also, it affects 2 to 8% of pregnancies worldwide.
If you are an OBG professional, understanding the symptoms, diagnosis and management of this disorder is essential for providing the best care to your patients.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. With preeclampsia women might have high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine that indicate kidney damage (proteinuria) or other signs of organ damage. Severe preeclampsia may include symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances and upper abdominal pain.
What is eclampsia?
If preeclampsia worsens and leads to seizures, it becomes eclampsia. It is a rare but extremely dangerous condition. Eclampsia can lead to coma, organ failure or even death if not treated faster.
Diagnosis
Preeclampsia is diagnosed through:
- Regular blood pressure monitoring
- Urine tests to check protein
- Blood tests to assess liver and kidney function
- Observing symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes or swelling
Prevention
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, various strategies can reduce the risk. Early and consistent prenatal care is key. In high-risk cases, doctors may recommend the following.
Low dose of aspirin by 20 weeks or when antenatal care begins
Calcium supplementation
Close monitoring during pregnancy
Treatment approach
The management always depends on the severity and the gestational age of the pregnancy. Doctors may advise rest, medications and close follow-ups for mild cases. But in severe cases, hospitalisation and early delivery will be necessary. Besides, magnesium sulphate is commonly used to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
So, that’s all about preeclampsia and eclampsia. We hope this information was helpful for you. If you are an OBG professional aiming to uplift your skills in handling high-risk Obstetric cases, consider joining StudyHRO’s expert-led skill enhancement courses. Our team of experienced mentors, supported by a wealth of high-quality study materials, will equip you with everything you need to become a successful OBG professional.
Authored By: Sarath
By : Admin
