Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: An Autopsy Study

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious pregnancy complications that can lead to maternal and fetal death. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, while eclampsia is a more severe form of preeclampsia that can lead to seizures.

Preeclampsia/Eclampsia Part 3 (an autopsy study): Microvascular Disease of the Lung in Preeclampsia/ Eclampsia with Special Reference to Hypoxia and Sleeping ... Breathing (Preclampsia/Eclampsia Updated)

by Dr. Hakim Saboowala

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16722 KB
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Print length	:	69 pages
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Paperback	:	196 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.65 x 0.51 x 9.41 inches

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The exact cause of preeclampsia and eclampsia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to problems with the placenta. The placenta is the organ that connects the mother to the baby and provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby. In women with preeclampsia and eclampsia, the placenta may not develop properly, which can lead to problems with blood flow and oxygen delivery to the baby.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are more common in women who are pregnant for the first time, who are older than 35 years old, who are obese, and who have a family history of the condition.

The symptoms of preeclampsia and eclampsia can vary, but may include:

* High blood pressure * Protein in the urine * Swelling in the hands, feet, and face * Headaches * Blurred vision * Nausea and vomiting * Seizures

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can be diagnosed with a blood test and a urine test. Treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia typically involves delivering the baby early.

Methods

This study examined the autopsy findings of women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia in order to better understand the causes of death and to identify potential risk factors. The study included 100 women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia in the United States between 1993 and 2003.

The autopsy findings were reviewed by a panel of experts in maternal and fetal death. The experts recorded the cause of death, the presence of any underlying medical conditions, and the presence of any placental abnormalities.

Results

The leading cause of death in women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia was hemorrhage (52%). Other causes of death included cerebral edema (26%),renal failure (12%),and liver failure (10%).

Underlying medical conditions were present in 60% of the women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia. The most common underlying medical conditions were chronic hypertension (28%),diabetes (16%),and obesity (14%).

Placental abnormalities were present in 80% of the women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia. The most common placental abnormalities were placental abruption (40%),placental infarction (32%),and chorioamnionitis (28%).

Discussion

This study found that hemorrhage was the leading cause of death in women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia. Other causes of death included cerebral edema, renal failure, and liver failure. Underlying medical conditions were present in 60% of the women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia, and placental abnormalities were present in 80% of the women.

These findings suggest that preeclampsia and eclampsia are complex conditions that can lead to a variety of complications. The high rate of hemorrhage in women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia suggests that this is a major cause of maternal death in these conditions. The high rate of placental abnormalities in women who died from preeclampsia or eclampsia suggests that placental dysfunction may be a major factor in the development of these conditions.

Further research is needed to better understand the causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia and to identify potential risk factors for these conditions. This research should focus on identifying

Preeclampsia/Eclampsia Part 3 (an autopsy study): Microvascular Disease of the Lung in Preeclampsia/ Eclampsia with Special Reference to Hypoxia and Sleeping ... Breathing (Preclampsia/Eclampsia Updated)

by Dr. Hakim Saboowala

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16722 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	196 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.65 x 0.51 x 9.41 inches

FREE