Summary HYPERTENSIVE DISODERS IN PREGNANCY: PREECLAMPSIA OVERVIEW

HYPERTENSIVE DISODERS IN PREGNANCY: PREECLAMPSIA OVERVIEW



Overview of Hypertensive Disorders

Definition and Classification

 Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and
eclampsia, affecting maternal and fetal health.

 Classified based on blood pressure readings and presence of proteinuria or other systemic
features.




Pre-Eclampsia

 Unique to pregnancy, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks
gestation.

 Diagnosis requires blood pressure >140 systolic or >90 diastolic on two occasions, along
with proteinuria >300 mg/24h.

Risk Factors for Pre-Eclampsia

,  First pregnancy, especially in women under 19 or over 40 years old.

 History of preeclampsia with severe features increases risk in subsequent pregnancies.

 Multiple gestations and pregestational diabetes are significant risk factors.

Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia

Normal Vascular Remodeling

 Spiral arteries normally undergo remodeling to accommodate increased blood volume
during pregnancy.

 This process involves transformation from thick-walled vessels to larger, thinner-walled
vessels.

Abnormal Vascular Remodeling in Preeclampsia

 In preeclampsia, vascular remodeling is impaired, leading to decreased placental
perfusion and hypoxia.

 Results in endothelial cell dysfunction and systemic complications.