[Intracranial hemorrhage during pregnancy and puerperium: experience with fifteen cases]

Intracranial hemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation or intracranial aneurysms is a rare but grave complication of pregnancy. We analyse 15 cases. Among these, aneurysms ruptures were responsible for the bleeding in 5 instances. Arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed in other 6 patients. The maternal and fetal mortality was 20% and 33% respectively. Four aneurysm patients were operated on before delivery. We conclude that surgical management of the aneurysms is associated with lower maternal and fetal mortality than the conservative treatment. The management of angiomatous hemorrhage during pregnancy remains controversial.

Hypertensive diseases and eclampsia

Worldwide, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia contribute to the death of a pregnant woman every 3 min. In the UK in recent decades, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have remained one of the leading causes of both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The management of pregnancies complicated by hypertension has not significantly altered for many years, possibly as a result of little progress being made in our understanding of the condition. New insights, however, have recently been gained into the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. These have yet to be translated into new interventions or to make any impact on clinical management of these pregnancies. This review will therefore focus on recent advances relating to research into the aetiology and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, but will conclude with a brief update on current therapeutic strategies.

Methyldopa versus no drug treatment in the management of mild pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of methyldopa in the treatment of mild pre-eclampsia, to prevent its progress and to investigate its effect on the pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGNS

Randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

Wad Medani Hospital in the central Sudan.

SUBJECTS

Seventy primigravidae with single, alive baby of 28-36 weeks gestational age suffering from true mild pre-eclampsia were enrolled. The patients were randomised in two groups, treatment group who received methyldopa 750-4000 mg/day (n=34) and a control group who received no treatment (n=36). All the (treatment and control) patients were drug followed as in-patients till the delivery, seen with their babies on the days 7, 42 after the delivery.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The outcomes examined were, rise of the diastolic blood pressure to 110 mm Hg or more, occurrence of imminent eclampsia or the eclampsia, if the maturity could be achieved, occurrence of intrauterine growth retardation, abruptio placentae, mode of delivery, birth weight, placental weight, perinatal death, Apgar score and referral of the babies to the pediatrician.

RESULTS

Three out of 34 (8.8%) of the treatment group had a rise in the diastolic blood pressure of 110 mm Hg, 18/36 (50%) of the control had a rise in the diastolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg (p < 0.05). Three out of thirty four (8.8%) of the treatment group developed imminent eclampsia, while 10/36 (27.8) of the control group developed imminent eclampsia (p < 0.05). The maturity was achieved in 82.3% and 88.8% of the treatment and the control, respectively (p > 0.05). There were ten (14.2%) perinatal deaths, four of them in the treatment group, while six in the control (p > 0.05). There was no difference regarding birth weight, occurrence of intrauterine growth retardation, placental weight, mode of delivery, Apgar score, referral of the babies to the paediatrician. No patient developed eclampsia or abruptio placenta; there was no maternal death in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Methyldopa can prevent the progress of the mild pre-eclampsia to severe pre-eclampsia, without affecting the maturity, birthweight or the neonatal outcomes.

How strong is the association between maternal thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether inherited and acquired thrombophilias are associated with adverse obstetric complications.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review; studies where women with adverse obstetric complications were tested for one or more acquired and inherited thrombophilias were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of thrombophilia in women with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, severe placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction or unexplained stillbirth.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, placental abruption was more often associated with homozygous and heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homocysteinaemia, activated protein C resistance or anticardiolipin IgG antibodies. Women with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were more likely to have heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency or activated protein C resistance compared with controls. Unexplained stillbirth, when compared with controls, was more often associated with heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, protein S deficiency, activated protein C resistance, anticardiolipin IgG antibodies or lupus anticoagulant. Women with intrauterine growth restriction had a higher prevalence of heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homozygous MTHFR C677T gene mutation, protein S deficiency or anticardiolipin IgG antibodies than controls. There was wide heterogeneity in the prevalence of thrombophilia between the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with adverse pregnancy outcome are more likely to have a positive thrombophilia screen but studies published so far are too small to adequately assess the true size of this association. Screening for thrombophilia should not become standard practice until clear evidence emerges that thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy improves perinatal outcome. Further research into the link between the observed association, causality and heterogeneity is required.

Hypertensive disease in twin pregnancies: a review

Reports over the past seventy years show that twin gestations lead to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders. Numerous studies discuss the incidence of hypertensive disease in twin versus singleton gestations, as well as effects of parity, race, age, income level, smoking, zygosity and heritability on this condition. The range of relative risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia for twin compared to singleton gestations is 1.2 to 2.7, 2.8 to 4.4 and 3.4 to 5.1 respectively. Parity, African-American ethnicity, and young maternal age are all factors that increase the relative risk of acquiring hypertensive disease to 4.0, 1.8 and 1.5 in mothers of twin gestations. Factors such as maternal smoking, income level and zygosity have a negligible effect on the relative risk of acquiring hypertensive disease in twin gestations. In addition to twin mothers exhibiting a higher incidence of hypertensive disease compared to their singleton counterparts, they also exhibit an earlier onset of hypertensive disease at both 35 and 37 weeks of gestation comparatively. Uric acid levels measured at 30-31 weeks of gestation in twin mothers predicted the onset of preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 74%. The range of risks presented in the literature is wide and the therapies avocated are diverse. We therefore decided to summarize the risks in a comparative fashion and to review current therapeutic strategies for the convenience of clinicians who confront increasing numbers of multiple pregnancies. The tables bring all recent published risks together in the first comparative analysis in which the data has been converted to relative risks and confidence intervals. Because the literature is relatively silent on specific management of hypertensive disease in twin pregnancies, general management recommendations for singleton gestations should be used by practitioners caring over twin gestations.

Risk factors in Mozambican women with eclampsia: a case-referent study

In Maputo 133 consecutive eclamptic patients were compared with 393 non-eclamptic referent women. Significant risk factors for eclampsia were age < or = 18 years, household size < or = 3 individuals, unwanted pregnancy, walking to antenatal clinics and, in the thrid trimester, headache, foot oedema, hand or face oedema, epigastric pain, visual disturbance, ear buzzing and dizziness. Significantly more cases than referents reported no blood pressure measurements in antenatal clinics. It is concluded that the quality of antenatal clinics can be improved by enhanced community awareness of danger signs, by early recognition of risk factors and by better management of prodromal symptoms of eclampsia.

Eclampsia in Kaduna State of Nigeria--a proposal for a better outcome

A review of eclampsia at a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria is presented with the objective of determining the incidence, clinical features and management outcome and to make recommendations for better outcome. Antepartum eclampsia occurred in 60% of the patients. The most important symptom was headache (100%), while hypertension (88.88%) and fever (42.22%) were the most common signs. Fit control was achieved in 66.6% of the patients with diazepam. Abdominal delivery occurred in 53.3% of the patients. There were 19 maternal and 20 perinatal deaths. There were 45 cases of eclampsia and 10,572 deliveries during the period of study. The incidence of eclampsia was 0.42% (1/235 deliveries); it was highest in the less than 20 years age group (1.68%), the nulliparae (1.27%) and the unbooked patients (1.23%). Eclampsia remains a serious obstetric disorder in tropical obstetric practice. Provision of good quality antenatal care, improving the emergency capability of hospitals and the establishment of Intensive Care Units for the care of eclamptic patients are recommended.

Pregnancy complications and outcomes among overweight and obese nulliparous women

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the associations between prepregnancy weight and the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes among nulliparous women.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study with 96,801 Washington State birth certificates from 1992 to 1996. Women were categorized by body mass index. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

The rate of occurrence of most of the outcomes increased with increasing body mass index category. Compared with lean women, both overweight and obese women had a significantly increased risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and delivery of a macrosomic infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Among nulliparous women, not only prepregnancy obesity but also overweight increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Recurrent eclampsia in a woman with chronic pyelonephritis

Pre-eclampsia associated with chronic pyelonephritis is not uncommon, but recurrent eclampsia in two successive pregnancies associated with chronic pyelonephritis is very rare. We present one such rare case where a patient had recurrent eclampsia with chronic pyelonephritis.

Risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes among women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertake to determine risk factors for adverse maternal outcomes among women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Maternal medical records of pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome managed between July 1, 1992, and April 30, 1999, were reviewed. Risk factors evaluated included maternal age, parity, race, previous preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, gestational age at diagnosis, mean arterial blood pressure, nadir blood platelet count (<50,000 cells/microL vs > or =50,000 cells/microL), and peak serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Maternal outcome variables analyzed included eclampsia, abruptio placentae, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, ascites, acute renal failure, liver hematoma, need for transfusion of blood products, cesarean delivery, and death. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test, the chi(2) test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 183 women with HELLP syndrome were studied. Eclampsia was present in 6%, abruptio placentae was present in 10%, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was present in 8%. Forty-one women (22%) required transfusion of blood products. Incidence of eclampsia significantly decreased with increasing gestational age, from 16% at < or =28 weeks' gestation to 3% at >32 weeks' gestation (P <.05) and was higher among African American patients than among white patients (12% vs 3%; P <.05). Logistic regression analysis showed an independent relationship between eclampsia and race (P <.05). Incidence of abruptio placentae was higher among women with previous preeclampsia than among women without this clinical history (26% vs 5%; P <.05). Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was significantly associated with abruptio placentae (P <.0001) and acute renal failure (P <.0001). A nadir platelet count of <50, 000/microL, a peak serum aspartate aminotransferase level of >150 U/L, and a peak serum lactate dehydrogenase level of >1400 U/L were not independent risk factors for adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with HELLP syndrome, African American race is a risk factor for eclampsia. Both acute renal failure and abruptio placentae are associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Laboratory parameters of HELLP syndrome are not independent risk factors for adverse maternal outcome.

Maternal and neonatal outcome in early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia

Early-onset pre-eclampsia and late-onset pre-eclampsia, by virtue of their unpredictable nature and prediliction for multi-organ involvement, are associated with substantial maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent years have seen the introduction of the concepts of care in specialized units, expectant management of pre-eclampsia, conservative management of the HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), usage of magnesium sulphate and improved feto-maternal surveillance. It is important to note that these factors also influence maternal and neonatal outcome.

[Prognosis factors associated with the progression of preeclampsia to eclampsia]

This study was undertaken to determine the prognosis value of laboratory and clinical findings in the progression of preeclampsia to eclampsia. Nausea and vomiting and glucose level > 105 mg/dL, serum creatinine level > 1.0 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase level > 35 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase level > 40 IU/L and lactate deshiydrogenase level > 450 IU/L can be used to estimate the risk for the advancement to eclampsia. This information could be helpful to the clinician for management purposes.

Increasing maternal weight: a risk factor for preeclampsia/eclampsia but apparently not for HELLP syndrome

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for severe preeclampsia. We sought to ascertain whether a similar relationship exists between maternal weight and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) as an atypical form of severe preeclampsia.

METHODS

In this retrospective investigation, 434 patients with HELLP syndrome were assigned to one of four study groups according to maternal weight and were analyzed in relation to selected maternal and perinatal data reflective of disease severity.

RESULTS

We found no significant associations between maternal weight and parameters of HELLP syndrome severity, race, delivery mode, gestational age, or perinatal outcome. Significantly associated with increasing maternal weight were maternal age, parity, admission mean arterial pressure, peak peripartum systolic blood pressures, concurrent essential hypertension, and the interval between admission and delivery. Inversely associated were eclampsia and the interval between delivery and discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity and complications attendant with HELLP syndrome appear unrelated to maternal weight. Paradoxically, eclampsia occurs most commonly in the lighter gravida with HELLP syndrome.

Dietary calcium and pregnancy-induced hypertension: is there a relation?

The evidence that calcium plays a role in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is reviewed. The precise factors involved in the pathogenesis of PIH are unclear, but several alterations in calcium metabolism have been identified. Epidemiologic data suggest an inverse correlation between dietary calcium intake and incidence of PIH. Although evidence suggests a possible beneficial effect of supplemental calcium, contradictions persist in clinical trials of pregnant women. Presently, there is insufficient evidence to support routine calcium supplementation of all pregnant women. However, high-risk groups, such as pregnant teens, populations with inadequate calcium intake, and women at risk of developing PIH, may benefit from consuming additional dietary calcium.

Eclampsia. VIII. Risk factors for maternal morbidity

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to identify risk factors associated with adverse maternal outcome in pregnancies complicated by eclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a descriptive study of 399 consecutive women with eclampsia whose cases were managed at one perinatal center between August 1977 and July 1998. Data were collected. Risk factors studied included maternal age, race, parity, preexisting medical complications, and clinical and laboratory findings. Outcome variables were maternal morbidities. Data were analyzed by either chi(2) analysis or the unpaired Student t test as appropriate.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort of women with eclampsia major maternal complications included abruptio placentae (10%), HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome (11%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (6%), neurologic deficits and aspiration pneumonia (7%), pulmonary edema (5%), cardiopulmonary arrest (4%), acute renal failure (4%), and death (1%, n = 2 patients with antepartum onset). Women with antepartum eclampsia had significantly higher incidences of abruptio placentae (12% vs 6%; P <.05) and HELLP syndrome (14% vs 4%; P =. 005) than did those in whom eclampsia developed post partum. In contrast, women with postpartum eclampsia were more likely to have neurologic deficits develop (9% vs 2%; P =.0006) than were those with antepartum eclampsia. In addition, women in whom eclampsia developed at </=32 weeks' gestation had significantly higher incidences of abruptio placentae (17% vs 8%; P =.01), HELLP syndrome (20% vs 7%; P =.0005), and acute renal failure (8% vs 2%; P =.01) than did those in whom eclampsia developed later.

CONCLUSION

Eclampsia remains a significant complication of pregnancy that carries high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Antepartum onset carries greater risks, and onset at </=32 weeks' gestation is particularly dangerous to both mother and fetus.

Changing paternity and the risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy

To determine whether changing paternity affects the risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy and whether the effect depends on a woman's history of preeclampsia/eclampsia with her previous partner, a cohort study was conducted based on 140,147 women with two consecutive births during 1989-1991 identified through linking of annual California birth certificate data. Among women without preeclampsia/eclampsia in the first birth, changing partners resulted in a 30% increase in the risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy compared with those who did not change partners (95% confidence interval: 1.1, 1.6). On the other hand, among women with preeclampsia/eclampsia in the first birth, changing partners resulted in a 30% reduction in the risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy (95% confidence interval: 0.4, 1.2). The difference of the effect of changing paternity on the risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia between women with and those without a history of this condition was significant (p < 0.05 for the interaction term). The above estimates were adjusted for potential confounders. These findings suggest that the effect of changing paternity depends on the history of preeclampsia/eclampsia with the previous partner and support the hypothesis that parental human leukocyte antigen sharing may play a role in the etiology of preeclampsia/eclampsia.

The prevention and management of eclampsia

Hypertensive disease remains second only to embolic phenomena as a leading cause of maternal mortality. This article covers the major physiologic and pathologic findings to be considered when managing pregnant women with eclampsia. Attention to detail and an increased degree of suspicion will improve fetal and maternal outcomes.

Hypertension in pregnancy--2--eclampsia

Eclampsia is a grand mal convulsion associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. It is caused by cerebral hypoxia from intense vasospasm combined with cerebral oedema. CT scans show cerebral ischaemia from thrombosis and oedema.

[Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia: a deferred medical problem]

Pregnancy-associated hypertension is a health problem in Mexico due to its high frequency of morbidity and mortality in mother and fetus as well. Research in this area has been restrained by limitations upon epidemiologic information, unknown etiology and the somewhat easy resolution provided when pregnancy is interrupted. We have reviewed contributions made in our country and up-to-date management concepts.

Neurologic issues in eclampsia

Preeclampsia/eclampsia is a complex multisystem disorder with potentially severe, irreversible sequelae. Much of the morbidity involves the central nervous system. Neurologists can make important contributions to the management of eclampsia. In consultation with their obstetric colleagues they can provide input to the investigation of intracerebral vascular events, the management of seizures and raised intracranial pressure. Particularly in the case of eclampsia at early gestational ages, input on the severity and nature of the neurologic problem will assist the obstetrician in determining whether to expedite or delay delivery. Recent multicenter studies show a benefit of magnesium sulfate over either phenytoin or diazepam in the prevention of seizures, but questions about the conclusions remain. More basic and clinical research is needed, particularly on the pathophysiology of seizures and eclamptic vasospastic components, in order to provide a better understanding and consequently to design optimal therapy. The challenge includes finding an appropriate animal model for this disease with which to test such therapies.

[Hypertension at pregnancy]

High blood pressure during pregnancy (BP > or = 140/90 mmHg) is sometimes already noted before conception, with usually a good prognosis (although it could predispose to preeclampsia). alpha-methyldopa is the best treatment when needed (agents blocking the renin angiotensin system are not recommended). Preeclampsia, a form of hypertension noted after 20 weeks of gestation with proteinuria is a more serious condition (BP > or = 140/90 mmHg or increase in BP from the 1st trimester > or = 25/15 mmHg). It is generated by placental ischemia and creates maternal endothelial lesions which in turn decrease the blood flow to placenta leading to maternal and fetal syndromes. Hospitalisation is mandatory. No measure other than delivery is known to attenuate or reverse its progression. Treating hypertension during pregnancy (when blood pressure > or = 170/110 mmHg) aims at preventing maternal risk (stroke or eclampsia) but has few effect on foetal lesions. Prevention of this syndrome, which represents the first secondary cause of hypertension, is until now disappointing.

Pre-eclampsia associated with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased serum vitamin E levels

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate lipid peroxidation and the serum levels of the antioxidant vitamin E in pre-eclampsia according to the disease severity.

METHOD

Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E levels were measured in 18 pre-eclamptic, 15 eclamptic and 25 normotensive pregnant women in Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital. The correlation of these levels with the factors indicating disease severity was tested. Mann-Whitney U-test and correlation coefficients were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULT

Both the pre-eclamptic and the eclamptic patients had higher MDA and lower vitamin E levels compared with control (P < 0.05); but these values were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). MDA levels were significantly correlated with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and with serum uric acid levels. There was significant but negative correlation with the vitamin E levels.

CONCLUSION

There is an imbalance between lipid peroxidation and serum vitamin E levels in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Increased lipid peroxidation is well correlated with the increase in systolic and diastolic BP measurements and serum uric acid levels.