Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions
Number of Conditions: 2
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Specialty: Nephrology
Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions
Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions
Symptoms:
high blood pressure; proteinuria; swelling in hands and face; headache; visual disturbances; upper abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; seizures in eclampsia
Root Cause:
Abnormal placental development leading to systemic endothelial dysfunction, causing hypertension, proteinuria, and other organ damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg), urine tests for proteinuria, blood tests for liver function, kidney function, and platelet count, and fetal ultrasound for growth assessment.
Treatment:
Blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity if delivery is anticipated, and delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment.
Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol (beta-blocker), hydralazine (vasodilator), or nifedipine (calcium channel blocker); magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant) for seizure prevention.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, more common in first-time pregnancies.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
First pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies (twins or more), obesity, pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, maternal age <20 or >35, and certain genetic factors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, outcomes are generally good; however, severe cases can lead to long-term health issues for both mother and baby.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, liver or kidney failure, placental abruption, preterm delivery, maternal or fetal death.
HELLP Syndrome
Specialty: Nephrology
Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions
Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions
Symptoms:
right upper abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; headache; swelling; high blood pressure; fatigue; visual disturbances
Root Cause:
Severe form of preeclampsia characterized by hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP). It reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing hemolysis (schistocytes on blood smear), elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), low platelet count (<100,000/µL), and signs of end-organ damage; urine tests for proteinuria; imaging if indicated.
Treatment:
Delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment; supportive care with blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention, and transfusions (platelets, red blood cells) if necessary.
Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol or nifedipine , magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant), and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to improve platelet count and fetal lung maturity.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 0.5-0.9% of pregnancies, often associated with severe preeclampsia.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, obesity, pre-existing hypertension, or autoimmune disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt delivery and management; however, maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality risk is higher without early intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver rupture, kidney failure, stroke, placental abruption, preterm delivery, or maternal and fetal death.