Answer: HELLP is an acronym for a syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver function, and/or low platelets. HELLP syndrome is thought to be a subcategory of severe preeclampsia. Patients may or may not have other signs of preeclampsia. HELLP syndrome often has a rapidly accelerating downhill course. Most clinicians deliver infants expeditiously regardless of the gestational [...]

Answer: In the past there have been advocates for other agents, particularly phenytoin. However, a randomized controlled trial in women with eclampsia clearly favored MgSO4 over phenytoin for recurrent seizure prophylaxis. Reference: Witlin AG, Sibai BM: Magnesium sulfate therapy in preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol 92:883-889, 1998. Medline Similar articles Full article

Answer: Mild elevations in blood pressure usually are not treated with antihypertensives. With more marked elevations (diastolic > 110 mmHg or a mean arterial pressure > 125 mmHg), medications with rapid onset, such as hydralazine and labetalol, are used intravenously. Generally such management is undertaken while also proceeding with delivery, due to the severity of [...]

Answer: In the past there have been advocates for other agents, particularly phenytoin. However, a randomized controlled trial in women with eclampsia clearly favored MgSO4 over phenytoin for recurrent seizure prophylaxis. Reference: Witlin AG, Sibai BM: Magnesium sulfate therapy in preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol 92:883-889, 1998. Medline Similar articles Full article Lucas MJ, Leveno [...]

Answer: Preeclampsia is classified as mild and severe. Preeclampsia is considered severe if any one of a number of systems shows evidence of significant compromise. Any of the following parameters classify a woman’s preeclampsia as severe: Systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 110 mmHg on two occasions at least 6 [...]

Answer: Numerous interventions have been attempted. Dietary manipulation, with decreased sodium intake or increased calcium intake, and pharmacologic therapy, with prophylactic low-dose aspirin, have been extensively studied with randomized controlled trials. Unfortunately, neither of these interventions has been able to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Diagnosis and Management [...]

Answer: Yes. If preeclampsia occurs in the first pregnancy, there is a 25% chance of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. The recurrence rate appears to be affected by gestational age at onset in the first pregnancy, severity, underlying maternal diseases, and underlying obstetric diseases. Women who develop preeclampsia early in pregnancy, or who develop severe preeclampsia; [...]