Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

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Definition & Diagnosis - Pressure Points

  • Definition: Hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) that is:
    • Present before pregnancy.
    • Diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation.
    • Persists > 12 weeks postpartum.
  • Diagnostic Criteria:
    • BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg on 2 occasions at least 4 hours apart.
  • Baseline Evaluation:
    • Assess for end-organ damage & risk of superimposed preeclampsia.
    • Labs: CBC, CMP (LFTs, Creatinine), Urinalysis, Urine Protein/Creatinine ratio.

⭐ Women with chronic hypertension have a 10-25% risk of developing superimposed preeclampsia.

Timeline of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

Maternal & Fetal Risks - A Double Danger

Chronic hypertension creates a hostile uterine environment, jeopardizing both mother and fetus through vascular and placental compromise.

  • Maternal Risks:

    • Superimposed Preeclampsia: Develops in ~25% of cases.
    • Placental Abruption: Acute, life-threatening separation.
    • ↑ rates of Cesarean Delivery.
    • End-organ damage: Stroke, pulmonary edema, renal failure.
    • Postpartum hemorrhage.
  • Fetal Risks:

    • Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): Resulting from uteroplacental insufficiency.
    • Preterm Birth: Often iatrogenic.
    • Oligohydramnios
    • Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD).

Placental Insufficiency & Fetal Growth Restriction

Superimposed preeclampsia is the most common and feared maternal complication, dramatically worsening prognosis for both mother and baby. It's a key sentinel event to monitor for.

Antenatal Management - The Control Tower

  • Goal: Maintain blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg.
  • Pharmacotherapy:
    • 1st Line: Labetalol, Nifedipine (long-acting), Methyldopa.
    • 📌 Mnemonic: Hypertensive Moms Love Nifedipine.
    • ⚠️ AVOID: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, renin inhibitors (teratogenic).
  • Preeclampsia Prophylaxis:
    • Low-dose Aspirin (81 mg/day) initiated between 12-16 weeks gestation.
  • Fetal Surveillance:
    • Serial growth ultrasounds and antenatal testing (NST, BPP) starting in the 3rd trimester.

⭐ Delivery for well-controlled chronic hypertension is recommended at ≥38 0/7 weeks. If severe or refractory, delivery may occur earlier after maternal stabilization.

Delivery & Postpartum - The Final Lap

  • Delivery Timing: Guideline-driven, balancing maternal risk & neonatal maturity.
    • Well-controlled cHTN: 38 0/7 - 39 6/7 wks.
    • Poorly controlled / superimposed preeclampsia: Consider delivery at ≥37 0/7 wks.
  • Intrapartum Management:
    • Target BP <160/110 mmHg.
    • IV Labetalol or Hydralazine for severe hypertension.
  • Postpartum Care:
    • Continue close BP monitoring for 72 hrs inpatient.
    • Breastfeeding-safe meds: Labetalol, Nifedipine.
    • Re-evaluate therapy 2 weeks postpartum.

High-Yield: Blood pressure often peaks 3-6 days postpartum, a period of high vulnerability. Schedule a follow-up BP check 7-10 days after discharge.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg before pregnancy or at <20 weeks gestation.
  • Significantly increases risk for superimposed preeclampsia, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction (FGR).
  • First-line medications safe in pregnancy are Labetalol, Nifedipine, and Methyldopa.
  • ACE inhibitors and ARBs are strictly contraindicated due to severe fetal toxicity.
  • The management goal is to maintain BP <140/90 mmHg to reduce maternal and fetal complications.
  • Delivery is typically planned at 38-39 weeks for well-controlled hypertension without complications.

Practice Questions: Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 24-year-old primigravida presents to her physician for regular prenatal care at 31 weeks gestation. She has no complaints and the antepartum course has been uncomplicated. Her pre-gestational history is significant for obesity (BMI = 30.5 kg/m2). She has gained a total of 10 kg (22.4 lb) during pregnancy, and 2 kg (4.48 lb) since her last visit 4 weeks ago. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 145/90 mm Hg; heart rate, 87/min; respiratory rate, 14/min; and temperature, 36.7℃ (98℉). The fetal heart rate is 153/min. The physical examination shows no edema and is only significant for a 2/6 systolic murmur best heard at the apex of the heart. A 24-hour urine is negative for protein. Which of the following options describe the best management strategy in this case?

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Flashcards: Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

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There is an increased incidence of preeclampsia in patients with pre-existing _____, diabetes, chronic renal disease, and autoimmune disorders

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

There is an increased incidence of preeclampsia in patients with pre-existing _____, diabetes, chronic renal disease, and autoimmune disorders

hypertension

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