PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Know the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Click here

1 in 12 pregnancies is effected by pre-eclampsia. That's as many women effected by breast cancer, and that's a topic we are willing to advocate.

So, what can medical professionals discuss with their patients?

1. First and foremost, inform women about pre-eclampsia. Don't hesitate to tell them of the seriousness of this disorder. There's nothing worse than hearing a doctor or nurse say, "I think we have a problem" as he or she walks out of the room to make you realize the seriousness of the situation.

2. When a patient is admitted into the hospital, they need to be better informed about what to expect when a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is made:
   • That she will be placed on magnesium sulfate
   • What magnesium sulfate does and how it makes a person feel - crappy
   • How long she may have to be on it
   • To know ahead of time that she may not be able to hold her baby right away since her muscles have been relaxed by the magnesium sulfate

3. Also, once admitted, women should be informed of:
   • That if symptoms change while in the hospital to inform the nurses; she will need to be her own best advocate
   • That she needs to have a family member present who can be her advocate in case she is unable to speak for herself
   • That pre-eclampsia doesn't always go away immediately after giving birth; and for some, high blood pressure remains
   • To be careful even after leaving the hospital and monitor her blood pressure. Most maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia occur 24 to 48 hours after giving birth, but seriously high blood pressure can last up to 6 weeks, even while being treated
   • To follow up with a specialist and make sure there are no underlying factors to the high blood pressure

4. After being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a woman should be tested for the following, even if she was tested during her pre-eclamptic episode, especially if she would like to have more children:
   • Lieden Factor V mutation R560Q (DNA test by PCR)
   • Hyperhomocysteinemia MTHFR Mutation (DNA test by PCR)
   • Prothrombin Gene Mutation 20210 (GA) (DNA test by PCR)
   • Protein C levels
   • Protein S levels
   • Activated Protein C activity
   • Antibodies to 6 phospholipids of the IgM, IgG and IgA classes
   • Lupus anticoagulant antibody
   • Russell Viper Venom time
   • Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
   • Prothrombin time (PT) and Partial Prothrombin time (PTT)

   Other things to test for:

   • Blood pressure
   • 24 hour urine test with blood draw when you turn it in for creatinine clearance (to test kidney function)
   • ANA (Anti-nuclear antibody test)
   • Sed rate - if there is thought to be an auto-immune disorder (tests for inflammation in the body)
   • Thyroid function labs
   • Diabetes screening

   If there is a history of HELLP syndrome, additional metabolic panels, genetic testing and liver function tests should be completed.