28/10/2025
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*Pre-eclampsia* is a disorder that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation, characterized by high blood pressure (β₯140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria (β₯+1 on urine dipstick), with or without edema.
[10/28, 20:08] MR G@ORGE: β
*PRE-MONITORY* (WARNING) STAGE
Lasts 20β30 seconds.
The eyes roll and stare, face and hand muscles twitch, there is restlessness, loss of consciousness, and the woman may call out.G@
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*TONIC STAGE*
Lasts 15β20 seconds.
All muscles become rigid, breathing stops due to diaphragmatic spasm, cyanosis appears, the back arches, teeth clench, and eyes may bulge.G@or
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*CLONIC STAGE*
Lasts 1β2 minutes.
Violent jerky movements occur with frothing at the mouth (sometimes blood-stained), tongue biting, deep noisy breathing, and a congested swollen face. G@
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*STAGE OF COMA*
Lasts minutes to hours.
The woman remains unconscious with stertorous breathing, facial congestion, and swelling; cyanosis fades gradually, and more fits may occur before full recovery.
[10/28, 20:48] MR G@ORGE: *MEDICAL MANAGEMENT*
*Aims*
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To control convulsions
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To lower blood pressure to a safe level
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To prevent complications
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To deliver the baby once the mother is stable
*History Taking*
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I will obtain a detailed history of presenting complaints such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and twitching to assess severity.
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I will take obstetric history including parity, previous pregnancies, and antenatal care attendance to identify risk factors.
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I will collect past medical history on hypertension, renal disease, or seizure disorders to rule out other causes.
*Physical Examination*
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I will check vital signs (BP, pulse, respirations, temperature) to monitor the degree of hypertension.
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I will assess for edema on face, hands, and feet as an indicator of pre-eclampsia.
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I will examine reflexes and urine output to detect magnesium toxicity or renal impairment.
*Laboratory Investigations*
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*Urinalysis* : To check for proteinuria.
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*Liver and Renal Function Tests* : To assess organ involvement.
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*Full Blood Count* : To detect hemoconcentration or thrombocytopenia.
*Treatment and Drugs*
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*Magnesium Sulphate (MgSOβ)*
Loading dose: 4 g IV slowly over 5 minutes + 10 g IM (5 g in each buttock)
*Maintenance dose* 5 g IM every 4 hours for 24 hours after last fit
*Mode of action* Depresses the central nervous system to prevent seizures.
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*Hydralazine* 5β10 mg IV every 20β30 minutes as needed
*Mode of action* Relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle, reducing peripheral resistance.
Alternatively, Labetalol 20 mg IV slowly.