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PubMed1999

Risk factors for abruptio placentae and eclampsia: analysis of 445 consecutively managed women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to characterize the clinical presentation or laboratory variables predictive of either abruptio placentae or eclampsia in women with severe preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective collection of perinatal data from 445 consecutively managed women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Univariate analysis was used to determine which of the independent variables were significantly different between the groups (abruptio placentae vs no abruptio placentae; eclampsia vs no eclampsia). Those with significant differences were then entered into multiple logistic regression analysis to determine those characteristics that were independently related to the outcome variable (abruptio placentae or eclampsia). Before multivariate analysis, the independent variables with an interval scale of measurement were converted to a dichotomous scale, with the receiver-operator characteristic curve used to determine a cutoff level. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed statistical significance for the following variables associated with eclampsia: uric acid concentration, > 8.1 mg/dL; proteinuria (>3+); headache; visual symptoms; deep tendon reflexes >3+; serum albumin concentration, <3 mg/dL; and serum creatinine concentration, >1.3 mg/dL. However, with subsequent multivariate analysis, only headache and deep tendon reflexes >3+ remained significant. Univariate analysis for variables associated with abruptio placentae revealed an association between bleeding and platelet count <60,000/mm3. There was no association between abruptio placentae and eclampsia and systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial pressure, quantitative proteinuria, epigastric pain, bleeding, gestational age at delivery, history of preeclampsia, or chronic hypertension. CONCLUSION: Quantitative proteinuria and degree of blood pressure elevation were not predictive of either abruptio placentae or eclampsia, as has previously been suggested. The greatest morbidity associated with eclampsia occurred in women with preterm gestations not receiving medical attention.

Abruptio Placentae↗
PubMed2000

Maternal and fetal serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in normal pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the maternal and fetal serum concentrations of total nitrites and nitrates (as an index of nitric oxide production) in normal pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. DESIGN: Three groups of women were studied cross-sectionally: late pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (n=31); normal late pregnant women (n=32); and age-matched healthy non-pregnant women (n=21). Venous blood samples were collected from all women and both maternal and umbilical venous samples were collected from pregnant women. METHODS: Blood samples were assayed for nitric oxide (NO) production by Greiss reaction which measures the combined oxidation products of NO (total nitrites and nitrates). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in serum total nitrites and nitrates concentrations in normal pregnant women than in the serum of age-matched normal non-pregnant women (P<0.0001). Significantly higher total nitrites and nitrates levels were found in the maternal sera of the pre-eclamptic and eclamptic women compared with those of normal pregnant women (P<0.0001). Also, fetal blood levels of total nitrites and nitrates were significantly increased in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia compared with those of normal pregnancy (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Serum nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in normal pregnancy than in the normal non-pregnancy. (2) Maternal and fetal serum NO levels are increased significantly in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which possibly represents a compensatory/protective mechanism to maintain blood flow and limit platelets aggregation in the fetal-maternal circulations. (3) The increase in NO production is directly related to the severity of pre-eclampsia; this would be of diagnostic significance for the prediction of the severity of this syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Clinical significance of urinary human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (hTNAP) in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

The aim of this work was to determine the levels of urinary human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (hTNAP) in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in order to assess renal tubular damage. Urine samples were collected from 26 mild pre-eclamptic, 26 were pre-eclamptic, 20 eclamptic patients and 20 healthy pregnant women (controls) in their late third trimester. Urinary hTNAP/creatinine (hTNAP/cr) in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were significantly higher than in controls. Urinary hTNAP/cr was increased in 23%, 77% and 90% of cases of mild pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, respectively, indicating that the increase correlates with the severity of the disease. Marked elevation or urinary hTNAP/cr was also associated with bad fetal outcome. These results provide additional evidence for renal tubular damage in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Maternal transcranial Doppler in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia affects 3-7% of women and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been used in pre-eclampsia/eclampsia to evaluate non-invasively the cerebrovascular hemodynamics in the maternal middle cerebral artery. TCD has demonstrated in pre-eclamptic women maternal cerebral vasospasm, which does not correlate with mean arterial pressure assessed simultaneously. Estimated cerebral perfusion pressure, assessed using a modified formula, has been shown to be increased in women with severe and non-severe pre-eclampsia. However, in severe pre-eclampsia, elevated cerebral perfusion pressure is counterbalanced by increases in cerebrovascular resistance and cerebral blood flow is unaffected. In eclampsia a significant fall in cerebral vascular resistance occurs which, in the presence of increases in cerebral perfusion pressure, leads to hyperperfusion. Cerebral vascular changes to date have not been sensitive enough to predict the development of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Longitudinal studies with the aim of predicting the onset of pre-eclampsia and to assess the effects of various drugs on the maternal cerebral circulation need to be designed.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1992

Management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia by UK consultants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: One-page postal survey to all (1007) UK consultant obstetricians with questions about use of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, other management strategies, definition of factors determining severity, protocol development and regional review. RESULTS: 688 replies (69.6% response rate). The antihypertensive drugs used were mainly oral labetalol (35%), oral methyl dopa (23%) and parenteral hydralazine (29%); diuretics were not used. Diazepam was the preferred drug in eclampsia. Very few consultants used magnesium sulphate (2%). Anticonvulsants were also prescribed by 85% of consultants to prevent fits; the drugs then preferred were diazepam (41%), phenytoin (30%) and chlormethiazole (24%). Two-thirds of consultants felt there was a need for trials to study the effectiveness of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs. In a woman with proteinuric hypertension, 15% of consultants did not regard the development of headache as indicating severe pre-eclampsia. Consistent management practices were not associated with agreement about protocols. Regional review does not appear to have occurred. CONCLUSION: Antihypertensive and anticonvulsant therapies are widely used but trials are considered necessary. Improvements in the management of women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia might occur if UK obstetricians sought more collective opinion and undertook regional audit of protocols.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed2006

Epidemiology of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: The incidences and characteristics of pre-eclampsia (PE) and eclampsia in KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), a tertiary obstetrical referral centre in Singapore, were studied. METHODS: The incidences and types of PE between July 1999 and June 2003 were derived from the pregnancy disease databases. The characteristics of women with PE in relation to the general obstetric population were analysed on the age, race, parity, types of delivery, gestation at delivery and mortality. Case records of eclampsia were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 2,213 (3.6 percent) out of 61,595 deliveries were complicated by PE between July 1999 and June 2003. Incidence rates for mild or unspecified PE, severe PE, eclampsia and PE superimposed on hypertension were 2.47 percent (1,518), 0.97 percent (599), 0.02 percent (10) and 0.14 percent (85), respectively. The incidence increased with multiple pregnancies: from 3.5 percent in singletons to 7.5 percent in twins, 19.4 percent in triplets and 25.0 percent in quadruplets. The Caesarean section rate for PE was 46.1 percent compared with 23.7 percent in the hospital population. The proportion of premature birth (<37 weeks) in PE was 31.0 percent and that of severe prematurity (<32 weeks) was 5.7 percent, while hospital population proportions were 9.8 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. The perinatal mortality rate (PMR) of PE was 11.0/1,000 births (population PMR was 4.4/1,000 births). There were only ten cases of eclampsia out of 61,595 deliveries (1:6160) giving an incidence of eclampsia of 16.2/100,000 deliveries. There was no stillbirth, neonatal and maternal death among the eclamptic patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence and outcome of eclampsia in KKH showed a significant reduction over the years due to improved obstetrical care. While PE is still common, eclampsia is now a very rare disease outcome.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia].

From 1964 to 1984 (a 21-year period), out of 102.277 deliveries, there were 80 cases (0.8%) of eclampsia and 443 cases (4.3%) of pre-eclampsia. One patient (1.25%) with eclampsia died after delivery. Out of 539 children from mothers with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, 44 (8.2%) died after birth. The delivery of the greatest number of women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was terminated vaginally (81.5% and 77.5% respectively). In the prevention and treatment of convulsions the authors use Diazepam and also the antihypertensive drug Diazoxide, along with the administration of diuretics (Furosemide) if necessary. For the reconstitution of fluid, they apply plasma expanders, electrolyte solutions, and 10% glucose infusions. All patients with eclampsia should be delivered by the vaginal induction of labour or by caesarean section as soon as the convulsions are under control.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Multifocal cerebral hemorrhage in eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia.

Eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia have often been associated with transient cortical blindness and with bilateral occipital CT hypodensities or increased T2-weighted signal abnormalities on MRI. Petechial hemorrhages have been reported pathologically and on MRI, but major hemorrhages have been infrequent. Symptoms and radiologic findings are usually reversible and the prognosis good. We reviewed the clinical and radiologic findings in four patients with eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia who had multifocal cerebral hemorrhages found acutely on CT. Hemorrhages were usually bilateral and often in posterior areas. Two patients had hemorrhages discovered after earlier normal scans. One patient died, and others had prolonged neurologic residua including visuospatial and other cognitive deficits. The posterior CT and MRI abnormalities in eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia are not always benign and reversible but may precede or include multifocal hemorrhages with long-term neurologic complications. The affected areas suggest an increased posterior circulation vulnerability to the hypertensive vascular disease of eclampsia.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The prevention and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia remain one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. They also contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality as well. Multiple strategies have been proposed for the prevention of pre-eclampsia, with mixed results. Likewise, different strategies for the management of pre-eclampsia have been proposed, also with mixed results. While the prevention of pre-eclampsia remains unachievable, meticulous medical management of mother and fetus will contribute to an overall lowering of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia's contribution to perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Eclampsia↗
PubMed2002

Antibodies to oxidised low-density lipoproteins and cardiolipin in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that autoantibodies to phospholipids and to oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are increased in pre-eclamptic and eclamptic women compared with normal pregnancy. Serum concentrations of autoantibodies to ox-LDL and to cardiolipin were measured in 21 non-pregnant controls, 29 pregnant controls, 21 pre-eclamptic and six eclamptic women. Concentrations of IgG antibodies to ox-LDL and to cardiolipin were not significantly different in women with eclampsia as compared with the non-pregnant controls, pregnant controls and pre-eclampsia. Concentrations of IgM antibodies to cardiolipin were significantly lower in women with pre-eclampsia compared with non-pregnant controls and eclampsia. All three pregnant states differ markedly from the non-pregnant controls, of whom only 5% (1 of 21) had "high positive" IgG antibodies. These results suggest that ACAs rise as a result of the pregnant state rather than as a result of preeclampsia or eclampsia. According to these results, there is no evidence of increased production of serum autoantibodies against modified LDL in African women with pre-eclampsia, which may reflect reduced lipid peroxidation involving lipoproteins or no link at all. In addition, IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies have no diagnostic value in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Genetic and familial predisposition to eclampsia and pre-eclampsia in a defined population.

Familial predisposition and patterns of genetic inheritance of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia were investigated through three or four generations in 94 families from the homogenous island population of Iceland. The families descended from index women delivered in the years 1931-47 and who had either eclampsia (n = 38) or severe pre-eclampsia (n = 69). Inheritance was followed both through sons and daughters. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in daughters was significantly higher (23%) than that in daughters-in-law (10%). No difference was noted in the prevalence of these diseases by whether the daughter was born of an eclamptic or pre-eclamptic mother or whether she was a first or later born daughter. There was a non-significantly higher occurrence of pre-eclampsia among grand-daughters than in grand-daughters-in-law. No difference was seen by whether grand-daughters descended through sons or daughters. With increasing numbers of affected daughters or grand-daughters the probability rose of finding more affected women in a family. Hypotheses of single recessive and dominant gene inheritance were compared and maximum likelihood estimates for gene frequency obtained. For a single recessive gene model this was 0.31 reflecting a population prevalence of 9.6%, whereas a dominant model with incomplete penetrance gave 0.14 at 48% gene penetrance, corresponding to a population prevalence of 0.9% homozygous expression of severe disease and 11% heterozygous expression of milder disease. Either genetic model could fit the data.

Eclampsia↗
PubMed1992

The efficacy of phenytoin in relation to serum levels in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of phenytoin in relation to total and free serum levels in patients with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Labour Ward, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa. Tertiary referral centre serving an underprivileged community. SUBJECTS: Eleven patients admitted with a hypertensive crisis. Four patients had eclampsia and 7 had impending eclampsia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Free and total phenytoin levels; efficacy of phenytoin as an anticonvulsant and side-effects of therapy. RESULTS: Although total phenytoin levels were within the therapeutic range, free phenytoin levels were abnormally high in all patients. Three patients (2 with eclampsia and 1 with imminent eclampsia) each had a seizure after phenytoin treatment had been initiated. CONCLUSION: Neither total nor free phenytoin levels were good predictors of seizure control. It is postulated that the poor performance of phenytoin as an anticonvulsant in severe eclampsia may relate to inadequate distribution of the drug to the brain as a result of cerebral oedema and poor cerebral perfusion rather than paradoxical seizure activity associated with high free phenytoin levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Conservative management of eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia--A Bangladesh experience.

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether the pregnancy can be safely continued for a reasonable period to gain fetal maturity in cases of eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia. METHODS: Fifty-one patients were followed up in a specialized care (eclampsia) unit in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital between January 1998 and October 2000. Twenty-one patients with complaints of headache and blurred vision, and 30 patients with history of convulsion, all at gestational age < 36 weeks, were enrolled for this study. Magnesium sulfate was used to prevent convulsion in severe pre-eclampsia and to control convulsion in eclampsia. After conducting a baseline assessment, pregnancy was continued to gain fetal maturity. Patients were monitored closely. Diastolic blood pressure, 24-hour urinary total protein (UTP), and serum uric acid were chosen as the main parameters to detect the deterioration of a patient's condition. Pregnancy was terminated when deterioration occurred, as determined clinically or by 1 or more of the above parameters. Dexamethasone was used during the waiting period for fetal lung maturity. Patient outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: At admission, the patients' mean gestational age ( SD) was 30.65 2.38 weeks, and the range was 24-34 weeks. Mean diastolic blood pressure was 109.06 11.61 mm Hg, 24-hour UTP was 2.25 1.73 g/24 h, and serum uric acid level was 5.5 1.12 mg/dL. Pregnancy was continued for a mean of 13.27 8.26 days (range, 3-35 days). Thirty-two babies (62.75%) with birth weight 1.0-2.5 kg (2.02 0.45) were born alive. Six of them (18.75%) weighing between 1.0 and 1.5 kg at birth were referred to the intensive care unit, and 1 (3.13%) weighing 1 kg at birth died within 5 minutes after birth. Among live-born babies, 93.75% were in good condition at the time of discharge from the hospital. Intrauterine death occurred in 19 (37.25%).cases. Twelve of them delivered spontaneously within 7 days of death and 7 required induction. In all cases, maternal condition was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected cases and with close supervision, pregnancy may be continued in women with eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia to increase fetal maturity without increasing the risk to the mother.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Fatal complications in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia].

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of preeclampsia and eclampsia--one of the major contributor to life-threatening maternal morbidity frequently leading to maternal mortality in the Czech Republic till late 70's. Our goal was to mention major causal links in clinical courses of individual maternal death and to highlight main mistakes and faults, and to provide frequencies and basic characteristics of risk groups. DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiological study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the 1st Medical School of Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague. Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague-Podoli; 1st Intern Department of the 1st Medical School of Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague. METHODS: Analysis of 31 cases of maternal deaths associated with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia in the Czech Republic during 1978-2000, using a database of 470 maternal deaths during the observed period. We analyzed clinical course with special attention to obstetrical surgery and clinical management. We considered timelines of life-threatening events, age of mother, parity, and place of death. RESULTS: There were 36 maternal deaths associated with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia in the Czech Republic in 1978-2000, contributing 7.7% to total maternal mortality. Group A1 was 5th most frequent cause of maternal death. We analyzed 31 cases closely related to severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. During 1978-1990 there was 1 death per 74,263 live-born babies in this category, while during 1991-2000 we observed only 1 death per 171,137 live-born babies. Clinical management was not adequate in 15 cases of death (48%) and content of care did not reflect possibilities of prevention, diagnosis and therapy. Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia was more frequent among older women and multiparae. First group (61%) is composed of women with manifest convulsions, 25% of them experienced convulsion after delivery, and only few cases had mild preeclampsia ante partum. Eclampsia with convulsions leading to coma were in 10 cases complicated with DIC, two cases in this group had premature separation of placenta. Besides classic symptoms of preeclampsia there were within this group 5 cases of multiple pregnancy, history of unstable hypertension, hepatopathy in previous pregnancy and chronic nephrosis. The second group (39%) were cases without convulsions. These cases were complicated with severe liver disorders and renal failure, and 5 cases of intra-cranial hemorrhage. Several cases had combination of symptoms. DIC was present in 6 cases. In both groups there were 5 cases with hemorrhagic skin symptoms, thrombopenia, symptoms of DIC and liver and renal failure, which would fall into HELLP syndrome according to current classification. The most of women died during the postpartum period (87%) mostly after emergency operative deliveries. The fact that no women died during pregnancy indicates the effort to perform life-saving operative delivery. Forty two percent of women were in term. Especially at the beginning of observed period we noticed tendency to prolong gestation in order to save the baby. The mortality of fetuses or newborns was 71%. Operative deliveries accounted for 71%, the majority of them were caesarean sections. More than 50% of cases were operated in coma. We indicate major mistakes and failures in organization of care, primary prevention, diagnosis, and consequent care. CONCLUSION: Positive results in area of maternal deaths in association with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia during last 10 years are due to improved diagnostic and therapeutic measures in our field, especially in neonatology, because obstetricians currently terminate pregnancies early than before while symptoms of preeclampsia get worse. We focus on early recognition of symptoms of coagulopathy in combination with symptoms of preeclampsia, especially on early detection and treatment of HELLP syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia 1996: preventable? Have disputes on its treatment been resolved?

The fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension complicating pregnancy primarily results from pre-eclampsia. This review focuses on recent developments in the areas of prevention and management. It specifically analyses studies designed to determine whether low-dose aspirin or calcium supplements, taken throughout pregnancy, reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia, a debate on whether we have been too aggressive in terminating pregnancies in patients with severe pre-eclampsia remote from term, and the efficacy of parenteral magnesium sulfate in the prevention or treatment, or both, of the eclamptic convulsion. We conclude that neither aspirin nor calcium appears to improve the gestational outcome, although large trials currently under way may alter this view. The debate on 'conservative' versus aggressive management of early-onset severe pre-eclampsia seems to be more apparent than real. After years of acrimonious debate there are data to support the superiority of magnesium over phenytoin to prevent pre-eclampsia and the efficacy of the drug in reducing recurrent convulsions in eclampsia. However, whether 'prophylactic' therapy is indeed necessary or whether blood pressure control alone will prevent eclampsia remains to be determined.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed2004

Hypertension-related gene polymorphisms in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension in Black South African women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are associated with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders in a black South African population. DESIGN: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion, angiotensinogen M235T and angiotensin II receptor type 1 1166A<--C polymorphisms were assessed in study groups comprising 204 women with pre-eclampsia, 120 with eclampsia, 67 with early onset pre-eclampsia and 78 with gestational hypertension. METHODS: Using chi analysis, results were compared with those obtained from 338 ethnically matched normotensive pregnant women following normal full term pregnancies. No significant differences in the distribution of any of these polymorphisms were found between patients with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia and the normal control subjects. Patients with gestational hypertension were less frequently homozygous for the ACE insertion polymorphism compared with controls (5 versus 13%, respectively; P = 0.049; odds ratio 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-1.04]). CONCLUSION: The commonly occurring RAS polymorphisms are not predictive of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia in the Black South African population.

Adult↗