Preeclampsia

From WikiGenetics

1 Name of Condition
2 Definition
3 Description, Signs and Symptoms
4 Inheritance
5 Demographics
6 Diagnosis
7 Treatment and Management
8 Prognosis
9 Resources
10 References

[edit] Name of Condition

Preeclampsia

[edit] Definition

Preeclampsia, which occurs during pregnancy, is hypertension and the presence of protein in the mother's urine. It typically occurs after 20 weeks gestation and affects the mother and baby.

[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms

Often, women with preeclampsia do not feel sick. Therefore, proper prenatal care is essential to diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms may include:

hypertension
swelling or edema (particularly in hands and face)
proteinuria
sudden weight gain (>2lbs/wk; >6lbs/mo)
'migraine-like' headaches
changes in vision
nausea or vomiting
pain in: stomach, right shoulder, lower back
hyperreflexia

[edit] Inheritance

Although the genetic basis of preeclampsia is unclear, epidemiological studies suggest that it occurs predominantly in the first pregnancies of women who are homozygous for a relatively common susceptibility gene.

[edit] Demographics

Preeclampsia affects 5-8% of all pregnancies. It is most common in first time pregnancies.

Other risk factors:

obesity
diabetes
chronic hypertension
kidney disorder
age over 40 or under 18
autoimmune disorders including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and MS

[edit] Diagnosis

Preeclampsia is diagnosed through monitoring of blood pressure and testing of urine for protein.

[edit] Treatment and Management

The only cure for expectant mothers with preeclampsia is the delivery of the child (often through induced labor).

Fetus age is <24 weeks: induced labor recommended, but chances of fetus's survival is small
Fetus age is between 24-34 weeks: "gray zone" - fetus can often survive, but doctors may try to prolong gestation period until it is safer to deliver
Fetus age is between 32 - 34 weeks: delivery is the best choice