Question

Write the criteria for labelling a patient as a case of preeclampsia with severe features.

Hint:

Severe preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure (\(\ge\)160/110 mmHg), significant proteinuria, and symptoms indicating end-organ damage (renal, liver, or neurological).

Answer 1

Step 1: Criteria for Severe Features of Preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia with severe features is a more severe form of preeclampsia that requires urgent management to prevent complications such as maternal or fetal death. The criteria for labeling a patient as having preeclampsia with severe features include:
(1) Severe Hypertension:
- Systolic BP \(\ge\) 160 mmHg or diastolic BP \(\ge\) 110 mmHg on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
(2) Severe Proteinuria:
- 24-hour urine protein>5 grams or protein/creatinine ratio>0.3.
(3) Symptoms of End Organ Damage: - Visual Disturbances: Severe headaches, blurring of vision, or scotoma. - Renal Dysfunction: Serum creatinine>1.1 mg/dL or doubling of serum creatinine. - Liver Dysfunction: Elevated liver enzymes (AST or ALT>2 times normal) or right upper quadrant pain indicative of HELLP syndrome. - Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in the lungs. - Thrombocytopenia: Platelet count<100,000/microL. (4) Severe Edema:
- Marked generalized edema, though this is less specific and not used as a primary diagnostic criterion.