Hypertension in pregnancy

Hypertension in pregnancyDr. Mona Shroffwww.obgyntoday.infoClassificationGestational hypertension:>=140/90,>20 wks,no proteinuria,resolves PPPreeclampsia: above + proteinuria>=+1Eclampsia : preeclampsia + convulsionsChronic HT : < 20 wks,ct > 12 wks PP, +/- proteinuriaChr HT + Superimposed preeclampsia : onset of proteinuria(if nonproteinuric),shootup of BP/proteinuria(if proteinuric)www.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona Shroffwww.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona Shroffwww.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona ShroffCASE 1a:

Mrs. A, 2O yr old primigravida,under your ANC, develops mild preeclampsia at 30 wks of pregnancy.(BP 150/94 mm Hg ,Urine proteins- +1 on random dipstick sample)

Pathogenesis. Current concepts .. Management :Role of antihypertensives?? Role of bed rest,SRD, sedatives & tranquilisers? Role of antioxidants?? Corticosteroids? Monitoring When to deliver?

www.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona ShroffAntihypertensive drug therapy for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy.

Antihypertensive drugs are often used to lower blood pressure in the belief that they will prevent this progression. The review of 46 trials, involving 4282 women, found there was not enough evidence to show the benefit of antihypertensive drugs for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy. More research is needed.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1 Abalos E, Duley L, Steyn DW, Henderson-Smart DJ.. www.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona Shroff Bed rest with or without hospitalisation for hypertension during pregnancy. At present, there is insufficient evidence to provide clear guidance for clinical practice. Therefore, bed rest should not be recommended routinely for hypertension in pregnancyMeher S, Abalos E, Carroli G Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4

www.obgyntoday.infoDr. Mona ShroffCASE 1b:

Mrs. A on routine 2D USG at 31 wks show IUGR on biometry with AFI=6. Further testing?? Primary screening tool -- DOPPLER vs BPP vs NST ?? In Doppler ---uterine a. /umbilical/MCA/venous as primary value screen for fetal well being?? If umbilical flow N What next? How freq monitoring?? If abN What next ? Delivery timing & options ?? Role of various Rx options for oligohydramnios . recommendations

A study comparing fetal heart-rate monitoring, biophysical profile and umbilical artery Doppler found that only umbilical artery Doppler had value in predicting poor perinatal outcomes in SGA

Grade A(RCOG)

Use umbilical artery Doppler as the primary surveillance tool.A systematic review with meta-analysis has provided evidence that the use of umbilical artery Doppler to monitor high-risk fetuses reduces perinatal morbidity and mortality. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of antenatal admissions and inductions of labourRCOG Evidence level II

A variety of indices of umbilical arterial Doppler waveform, such as:- Resistance index, systolic/diastolic ratio, pulsatility index and diastolic average ratio, is used for predicting perinatal outcome. Resistance index had the best ability to predict abnormal outcomes

RCOG Evidence level II

Frequency of monitoring in SGA fetuses with normal Doppler need not generally be more than once every fortnight.

RCOG Evidence level Ia

Grade AThe biophysical profile has not been shown to improve perinatal outcome but sufficient data do not exist to rule out its value. However, there is evidence from uncontrolled observational studies that biophysical profile in high-risk women has good negative predictive value, i.e. fetal death is rare in women with a normal biophysical profile

Evidence level IbThe absence of benefit from randomised trials and since it is a time-consuming test, So it cannot be recommended for routine monitoring in low risk pregnancies or for primary surveillance in SGA When primary surveillance with umbilical artery Doppler is found to be abnormal, biophysical profile is likely to be useful given its good negative predictive value in high-risk populations. This recommendation is further supported by evidence that, in high-risk women, the biophysical profile was rarely abnormal when Doppler findings were normal.

Some forms of interventionThere is not enough evidence to assess the value of oxygen therapy, nutrient therapy, hospitalisation and bedrest, betamimetics, calcium channel blockers, hormonal therapy and plasma volume expansion in treating growth restriction.

The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003 Maternal hydration for increasing amniotic fluid volume in oligohydramniosSimple maternal hydration (two litres of water/Intravenous hypotonic hydration) appears to increase amniotic fluid volume and may be beneficial in the management of oligohydramnios and prevention of oligohydramnios during labour or prior to external cephalic version. Controlled trials are needed to assess the clinical benefits and possible risks of maternal hydration for specific clinical purposes

Hofmeyr GJ, Glmezoglu AM. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 1.

Mrs .A develops sev preeclampsia at 32 wks.BP 160/110, urine protein +2, Admitted & Ix sent. Started on antihypertensives. Fetal Doppler N. Criteria for severe preeclampsia Which antihypertensive would you prefer & why ?? Delivery ? Prophylactic MgSO4 ??Features of severe Pre-Eclampsia Blood pressure >160/110 mm Hg Proteinuria >5 g/24 h Cerebral involvement (hyper-reflexia, seizures)Oliguria < 500 ml /24hrIncreased serum creatinine level Pulmonary oedema Epigastric or right upper quadrant abdominal pain Evidence of hepatic injury (HELLP) Thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation Evidence of fetal compromise (IUGR or oligohydramnios)

Drugs for treatment of very high blood pressure during pregnancy. Until better evidence is available, the choice of antihypertensive should depend on the clinician's experience and familiarity with a particular drug, and on what is known about adverse effects. Exceptions are diazoxide, nimodipine , which are probably best avoided.

Duley L, Henderson-Smart DJ, Meher S. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Reviews 2006 Issue 3IV Labetolol vs SL NifedepineInterventionist versus expectant care for severe pre-eclampsia before term. There are insufficient data for any reliable recommendation about which policy of care should be used for women with severe early onset pre-eclampsia. Further large trials are needed.Churchill D, Duley L. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 3.

Magnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsiaMagnesium sulphate more than halves the risk of eclampsia, reduces risk of abruptio placenta and probably reduces the risk of maternal death. It does not improve outcome for the baby, in the short term. A quarter of women have side effects, particularly flushing.

Duley L, Glmezoglu AM, Henderson-Smart DJ.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 2. CASE 1d:

After 12 hrs of admission her UOP is 300 ml/12 hrs. Bld urea is 40,s creatinine is 1.0 mg/dl,electrolytes are N.Wt :60 kgs Criteria for renal failure..can we call this as renal failure?

The RIFLE classification (ADQI group) of ARF:

Risk (R) - Increase in serum creatinine level X 1.5 or UO 3 months

25In next 12 hrs UOP is 100 ml.Total 400 ml/24 hrs. Pathogenesis of ARF in preeclampsia & clinical correlation.Prerenal vs ATN vs CAN Investigations. Role of fluid challenge. Nutrition,fluid & electrolyte balance.how to judge? Role of diuretics ??? Role of renal dose dopamine ??? Dialysis when ,which type??? Delivery..when??

27InvestigationsBLOOD CBC Urea,creatinine,uric acid Electrolytes LFT S.proteins Coagulation profile ABG RBS Osmolality

URINE sp.gravity osmolality electrolytes proteins pigment casts c/s

ECG28Prerenal failureAdequately replace fluid losses,maintain BP.

Lasix challenge trial to d/d b/w reversible prerenal failure & established ATN (provided oliguria 1.05)

If diuresis (>50ml/hr or doubling) established within 3 hrs,maintain NS infusion acc to UOP & replace electrolytes acc to urinary loss estimations.

If unsuccessful objective is to support the functionally anephric pt till kidneys recover.

29DiureticsDiuretics commonly have been given in an attempt to convert the oliguric state to a nonoliguric state. However, diuretics have not been shown to be beneficial, and they may worsen outcomes.In the absence of compelling contradictory data from a randomized, blinded clinical trial, the widespread use of diuretics in critically ill patients with acute renal failure should be discouraged. Useful only in management of fluid-overloaded patients

Cantarovich F, Rangoonwala B, Lorenz H, Verho M, Esnault VL. High-dose furosemide for established ARF: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Am J Kidney Dis 2004;44:402-9. Kellum JA. Systematic review: The use of diuretics and dopamine in acute renal failure: a systematic review of the evidence. Critical Care1997;1(2):539.

30DOPAMINE

Dopamine traditionally has been used to promote renal perfusion(1-5 mcg/kg/min ) However, systematic reviews of dopamine treatment in critically ill patients and in patients with sepsis do not support the use of dopamine to prevent renal insufficiency, morbidity, or mortality. In the majority of ARF studies, dopamine was associated only with an increase in urine output.

Kellum JA, Decker MJ. Use of dopamine in acute renal failure: a meta-analysis. Crit Care Med 2001;29:1526-31. Denton MD, Chertow GM, Brady HR. "Renal-dose" dopamine for the treatment of acute renal failure: scientific rationale, experimental studies and clinical trials. Kidney Int 1996;50:4-14.31Low-dose dopamine for women with severe pre-eclampsia. It is unclear whether low-dose dopamine therapy for pre-eclamptic women with oliguria is worthwhile. It should not be used other than in prospective trials.

Steyn DW, Steyn P. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1

Management Restore or maintain fluid balanceThe maintenance of electrolytes and acid base balanceThe maintenance of nutritional supportPrevention of infectionAvoid renal toxins (including NSAIDS)Instigate renal replacement therapies

33Nutrition INTAKE1500 cal (protein free)Oral/parenteralIf vol limitation-50%D via central veinEssential L-aminoacids: K,Mg,P:Improve wound healing, hasten recovery Protein intake of 0.6 g per kg per day

34Indications for Renal Replacement TherapyAcidosis unresponsive to medical therapyAcute, severe, refractory electrolyte changes (e.g., hyperkalemia)EncephalopathySignificant azotemia (blood urea nitrogen level >100 mg per dL [36 mmol per L])Significant bleedingUremic pericarditisVolume overload

Early Prophylactic DialysisAllows more liberal fluid, protein & salt intake.Prevent hyperkalemic emergencies. Reduces infectious Cx.Improves comfort & survival

Hemodialysis Vs Peritoneal dialysis Limited usefulness if hypotensionC/I in actively bleeding pt.Controlled anticoagulation reqdVolume shifts-carefulFaster correction

Can be used in preg/PP pt.Easily availableSimple,inexpensiveLower Cx rateMinimises rapid metabolic pertubations & fluid shiftsInsert cath high direct vision

37DeliveryDevelopment of ARF in obs pt is indication of delivery in majority cases.Deliver if UOP2hrs despite adequate vol expansion & immediate delivery not expected Redistribution of CO better renal perfusion.Remove fetus from hostile environment.Neonate increased urea osmotis diuresis -dehydration

KYA AAP PAANCHVI PAAS SE TEZ HAI??

CASE 1e:

Decision of LSCS taken. Coagulation profile N . Intraop retroplacental haematoma 100 gms .Rest uneventful.Post op after 4 hrs continuous trickling p/v present .Rpt coagulation profile sent.PC : 70000/cumm APTT 70 ,control 40PT 25 , control 15Fibrinogen 60 mg/dl. Hb 8.5, Haematopathology .. MANAGEMENT FFPCRYOPPTPLATELETS ???? How much of above required? Target values?? Monitoring Other Mx options.. Expected complications??

Base treatment on need to:

Maintain fibrinogen level above 1 g/l. Maintain PT and APPT less than 1.5 times control value Stop persistent active bleeding

Guidelines: FFP UseUsual dosing: 10-15ml/Kg15-20% rise in factor levelsUsually does not correct laboratory coagulation status to normalEvidence for its use as prophylaxis in nonbleeding patients, is limited 43Cryoprecipitate10-15 ml per unit (bag)Fibrinogen 250 mgFactor VIII80-120 unitsVon Willebrand Factor 40-70% of FFPFactor XIII 20-30% of FFPFibronectin 20-40 mg44Cryoprecipitate: Dosing1-2 Units / 10 KgExpect 60-100 mg/dl rise in fibrinogenGoal: Fibrinogen 70-100 mg/dlPatients on massive transfusion protocol and receiving greater than 10 units of FFP generally do not need additional cryoprecipitate, having received an adequate bolus of fibrinogen in the large quantity of FFP.

45Platelets: Risk of Spontaneous Hemorrhage Count Site > 40,000 Minimal 20-40,000GI Mucosa 5-20Skin,Mucus Membranes < 5 CNS, Lung46Prophylactic Platelet TX Guidelines Platelet Count/l Recommendation0-5,000 Always5-10,000 If Febrile or Minor Bleeding11-20,000 If coagulopathy / minor procedure >20,000 If Major Bleed / invasive procedure47Transfused Platelets/Survival6 units = 1 single donor unit (SDP); available as , and full SDPDose:adult 1 unit/8-10 kg Lifespan: 7-10 Days Native 2-3 Days TransfusedFactors shortening Lifespan:Fever, SepsisHLA, Platelet Specific AbsDICProduct Age?48CASE 2:

26 yr primi,32 wks pregnancy ,mild preeclampsia,comes with vague symptoms malaise,epigastric pain,vomiting, giddiness. On Ix--- Hb 9.5,PCV 30, PC 80000,S.Br 2.8, SGPT 45,SGOT 80, RFT N, Coagulation profile N Probable Diagnosis?? Differential diagnosis?? Would you ask for any other Ix?? Pathophysiology

Laboratory Findings in HELLPHemolysisAbnormal peripheral smearTotal bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dlLDH > 600 IU/LLiver EnzymesAST (SGOT) > 70 IU/LPlatelet count< 100,000

Etiology and PathogenesisThe hemolysis in HELLP syndrome is a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Red blood cells become fragmented as they pass through small blood vessels with endothelial damage and fibrin deposits. The peripheral smear may reveal spherocytes, schistocytes, triangular cells and burr cells.Increase in Bilirubin and lactic dehydrogenase levels.Haptoglobin

Etiology and Pathogenesis The elevated liver enzyme levels in the syndrome are thought to be secondary to obstruction of hepatic blood flow by fibrin deposits in the sinusoids. This obstruction leads to periportal necrosis and, in severe cases, intrahepatic hemorrhage, subcapsular hematoma formation or hepatic rupture.Etiology and Pathogenesis The thrombocytopenia has been attributed to increased consumption and/or destruction of platelets.With platelet activation, thromboxane A and serotonin are released, causing vasospasm, platelet agglutination and aggregation, and further endothelial damage.Management options--- Role of hydration/Plasma vol expansion Role of corticosteroids Role of aspirin etc Transfusion?? Plasmapheresis?? Antihypertensives?? Anticonvulsants?? Conservative vs delivery??? CS vs Vaginal?? Precautions in CS. Postpartum recovery ??? Mx.. Hepatic imaging ..When??

Corticosteroids for HELLP syndrome in pregnancy. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether adjunctive steroid use in HELLP syndrome decreases maternal and perinatal mortality, major maternal and perinatal morbidity

Corticosteroids may be able to normalise some of the abnormal biochemical changes caused by HELLP, as well as reduce hypertension

Matchaba P, Moodley J. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Reviews 2004 Issue 1The antenatal administration of dexamethasone in a high dosage of 10 mg intravenously every 12 hours has been shown to markedly improve the laboratory abnormalities associated with HELLP syndrome.

Steroids given antenatally do not prevent the typical worsening of laboratory abnormalities after delivery. However, laboratory abnormalities resolve more quickly in patients who continue to receive steroids postpartum.Magann EF, Bass D, Chauhan SP, Sullivan DL, Martin RW, Martin JN Jr. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1994;171:1148-53. HELLP: TreatmentDexamethasone 10 mg IV q12hr when platelets < 100,000Platelets for active bleeding, or if < 20,000Plasmapheresis: limited success, but not routinely recommended

Antihypertensive therapy should be initiated if blood pressure is consistently greater than 160/110 mm hg . The goal is to maintain diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 100 mm hg.

Patients with HELLP syndrome should be treated prophylactically with magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, whether hypertension is present or not. Classification full HELLP syndrome partial HELLP syndrome Based on the number of abnormalities Audibert F, Friedman SA, Frangieh AY, Sibai BM. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 175:460-4. considered for delivery within 48 hourscandidates for more conservative managementClassificationclass I, less than 50,000 per mm3 class II, 50,000 to less than 100,000 per mm3 class III, 100,000 to 150,000 per mm3 On the basis of platelet countHypertension is controlled at less than 160/110 mm hg,Oliguria responds to fluid management .Elevated liver function values are not associated with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain.Class IIIII .(platelet count).>50000Partial HELLPEligibility to conservative managementPatients who undergo cesarean section should be transfused if their platelet count is less than 50,000 per mm3 ,Prophylactic transfusion of platelets at delivery does not reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage or hasten normalization of the platelet count. . Patients with DIC should be given fresh frozen plasma and packed red blood cells.Vertical incisionEventration XXDead space XXDrains

LSCS IN HELLPPOSTPARTUMThe laboratory abnormalities in HELLP syndrome typically worsen after delivery and then begin to resolve by three to four days postpartumMartin JN Jr, Blake PG, Perry KG Jr, McCaul JF, Hess LW, Martin RW. The natural history of HELLP syndrome: patterns of disease progression and regression. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991;164(6 pt 1):1500-9.

Patients with HELLP syndrome who complain of severe right upper quadrant pain, neck pain or shoulder pain should be considered for hepatic imaging regardless of the severity of the laboratory abnormalities, to assess for subcapsular haematoma or rupture

CASE 3 :

Mrs .C ,8 wks pregnant, G4P1A2L0, comes for ANC. H/O 1PTVD with IUFD,sev oligo,sev preeclampsia at 27 wks,1early fetal demise at 10 wks,1 early fetal demise at 8 wks. Recurrence risk?? Special investigations? Whycriteria for APLA testing? Prediction of preeclampsiatests Prevention of preeclampsia.role of different drugsevidence based recommendations..

APLA SYNDROMECLINICAL CRITERIA

One or more unexplained deaths >10 wk One or more pre-eclampsia/ placental insufficiency < 34wk 3 or more unexplained consecutive spontaneous abortions < 10 wk Exclude other causes

SCREENINGBPMAP(midtrimester)Roll over testIsometric hand grip testForearm venous toneURINEMicroalbuminuriaFasting urinary albumin : creatinine ratio24 hr urinary calcium excretionU.calcium :creatinine ratioU. kallikrein : creatinine ratio

BLOOD Pl. uratePlatelet countFibronectinBeta thromboglobulinAT 3 /Factor 8CytokinesPlacental peptidesMarkers of oxidative stressANGITENSIN SENSITIVITY TESTSDOPPLER ULTRASOUND The combination of serum markers(BHCG & AFP) and abnormal uterine Doppler ultrasound improves the identification of women at risk for subsequent pregnancy complications. However, the sensitivity of these tests is too low to provide an efficient generalized screening. Fetal Diagn Ther 2005;20:48-53Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2006-Jun; vol 27 (issue 6)

Prediction of pre-eclampsia by uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography and maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation.

Screening by a combination of uterine artery mean PI and maternal serum activin A and inhibin A could detect 75% and 92% of patients who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia, for false positive rates of 5% and 10%, respectively.

In this pilot study intravenous immune globulin did not improve obstetric or neonatal outcomes beyond those achieved with a heparin and low-dose aspirin regimen. Although not statistically significant, the findings of fewer cases of fetal growth restriction and neonatal intensive care unit admissions among the intravenous immune globulin-treated pregnancies may warrant expansion of the study. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) 2008 Issue 2 Antiplatelet agents for preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications.Antiplatelet agents, largely low-dose aspirin, have moderate benefits when used for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its consequences. Further information is required to assess which women are most likely to benefit, when treatment is best started, and at what dose.

Duley L, Henderson-Smart DJ, Meher S, King JF Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Calcium supplementation appears to almost halve the risk of pre-eclampsia, and to reduce the rare occurrence of the composite outcome 'death or serious morbidity'. There were no other clear benefits, or harms. The effect was greatest for high-risk women and those with low baseline calcium intake . Hofmeyr GJ, Atallah AN, Duley L Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1998, Issue 3.

Antioxidants for preventing pre-eclampsiaEvidence from this review does not support routine antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and other serious complications in pregnancy.

Rumbold A, Duley L, Crowther CA, Haslam RR. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1

Nitric oxide for preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications.There is insufficient evidence to draw reliable conclusions about whether nitric oxide donors and precursors prevent pre-eclampsia or its complications.The review of trials found too few women had been studied, so it was not possible to say if nitric oxide drugs help prevent pre-eclampsia. However, these drugs did cause headaches, often sufficiently severe for women to stop taking the drugs. Future studies neededMeher S, Duley L Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2.

Marine oil, and other prostaglandin precursor, supplementation for pregnancy .There is not enough evidence to support the routine use of marine oil, or other prostaglandin precursor, supplements during pregnancy to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, low birthweight or small-for-gestational age. Makrides M, Duley L, Olsen SF. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. CASE 4:

Mrs D ,k/c/o HT ,uninvestigated,primi,26 yrs,comes with 10 wks pregnancy. Causes Evaluation Prognosis & risks Mx .Brief outline

ANAESTHETIC & INTENSIVE CARE ASPECTS Type of anaesthesia..precautions.. Fluid balance Invasive haemodynamic monitoring.. PCWP vs CVP criteria..indications Pulmonary oedemaprevention & Mx Anesthetic Goals of Labor Analgesia in PreeclampsiaTo establish & maintain hemodynamic stability (control hypertension & avoid hypotension)To provide excellent labor analgesiaTo prevent complications of preeclampsiaintracerebral hemorrhagerenal failurepulmonary edemaeclampsiaTo be able to rapidly provide anesthesia for C/SBenefits of Regional Analgesia for Labor in PreeclampsiaSuperior pain relief over parenteral narcoticsBeneficial hemodynamic effects: 20% reduction in blood pressure with a small reduction in SVR & maintenance of CINewsome, Anes Anal 1986;65:31-6Doppler velocimetry shows epidural analgesia reduces the S-D flow ratio in the uterine artery by 25% to levels seen in non-preeclamptics Ramos-Santos, et al., Obstet Gynecol 1991;77:20-6

Benefits of Regional Analgesia for Labor in PreeclampsiaEpidural analgesia intervillous blood flow 77% in severe preeclamptics without maternal BP or FHR abnormalitiesJouppila, et al., Obstet Gynecol 1982;59:158-61.Large series (385) preeclamptic patients; labor epidural analgesia vs. PCIA meperidineNo difference in FHR abnormalities or C/S forceps in epi group but 0.125% bupi infusion naloxone use, umb artery pH, 1 min Apgar in PCIA groupLucas, et al., Anesthesiology 1998;89:A1033Regional Anesthesia & PreeclampsiaOne of the most important advantages of labor epidural analgesia is that it provides a route for rapid initiation of anesthesia for emergency C/S.In the past there were concerns re: use of regional anesthesia for C/S in preeclampticspossibility of severe BP 2 sympathectomy in patient with volume contractionrisk of pulmonary edema due to excessive fluid administration with regional blockrisk with use of pressor agents to treat BPRegional vs. General Anesthesia for C/S in Severe PreeclampsiaGeneral vs. spinal (CSE) vs. epiduralWallace, et al., Obstet Gynecol 1995;86:193-9Prospective, randomized studyAll these types of anesthesia were used safely BP on laryngoscopy avoided by controlling hypertension pre-op with hydralazine; IV NTG & lidocaine immediately pre-intubation BP with regional avoided by 1000 cc LR pre-load & 5 mg boluses of ephedrine for SBP 100Regional vs. General Anesthesia for C/S in Severe PreeclampsiaBP 20% lower in regional vs general groups at skin incision only; no difference in min pressuresRegional pts received 800 cc more IV fluid2200 cc vs. 1500 ccNo associated pulmonary edemaInfant outcomes were similarCaveat: cases were not urgent; none for non-reassuring FHR patternIn an urgent situation there might not be time to adequately control hypertension pre-op prior to inducing general anesthesiaEpidural vs. Spinal Anesthesia for C/S in Severe PreeclampsiaHood, et al., Anesthesiology 1999;90:1276-82Retrospective studyLowest intraoperative blood pressures not differentTotal ephedrine use was small & not differentSpinal group received 400 cc more IV fluidNo pulmonary edema attributable to intraop fluidMaternal & infant outcomes were similarRegional vs. General Anesthesia in PreeclampsiaEpidural anesthesia would probably be preferred by many anesthesiologists in a severely preeclamptic pt in a non-urgent settingFor urgent cases it is reassuring to know that spinal is also safeThis allows us to avoid general anesthesia with the potential for encountering a swollen, difficult airway and/or labile hypertensionRegional vs. General Anesthesia in PreeclampsiaGeneral anesthesia is a well-known hazard in obstetric anesthesia: 16X more likely to result in anesthetic-related maternal mortality Mostly due to airway/respiratory complications, which would only be exaggerated in preeclampsiaHawkins, Anesthesiology 1997;86:273

Platelets & Regional Anesthesia in PreeclampsiaPrior to placing regional block in a preeclamptic it is recommended to check the platelet count.No concrete evidence at to the lowest safe platelet count for regional anesthesia in preeclampsiaAny clinical evidence of DIC would contraindicate regionalIn the absence of such signs, most anesthesiologists would proceed at plt count >100K, many would proceed at 80-100K,