Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity/mortality. A study in Lusaka estimated Preeclampsia/Eclampsia prevalence at 18.9%. The aim of the study was to determine the health system and maternal predictors of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending public health facilities (HF) in Lusaka, Zambia. This is a 12months retrospective cohort study. Records of 770 pregnant women during antenatal care between January to December 2020 from five HFs in Lusaka were reviewed and classified into with or without PE. The risk factors for PE were abstracted from the records. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were determined. The respondents were aged 18-40years with mean age of 27.09 years and SD±5.1. Age 25-32 years accounted for 344 (45%), Married 250 (82%), 346 (45%) had secondary school education and 293 (38%) had parity of 2. Significant differences were observed in the administration of magnesium sulphate and oxygen for severe preeclampsia (p = 0.001) and anti-hypertensive for eclampsia (p < 0.05). Knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed woman's age (aOR= 0.326, 95% CI: 0.0024-0.8231), education aOR= 0.128, 95% CI: 0.00121-0.0323) and a good nutritional diet aOR= 0.109, 95% CI: 0.0393-0.4639) were independent predator of PE. Predictors of PE amongst pregnant women were having preeclampsia in the previous pregnancy, having parity of three or more, and knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of PE were found. We recommend refresher training on detection and management of PE among health workers attending to pregnant women.

Postpartum haemorrhage is most often diagnosed by visualizing external vaginal bleeding, however, in some cases the bleeding may be internal, which significantly increases the risk for delayed diagnosis. We present a case report of a puerperal woman with delayed diagnosis of internal postpartum haemorrhage, which is caused by the development of a Couvelair’s uterus after caesarean section, resulting in an acute hysterectomy

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), a disorder occurring in 5% of all pregnancies, remains largely unknown, but early placental hypoxia and oxidative stress are known to be involved in the mechanism of the syndrome. Maternal plasma and placental tissue samples were collected from PE, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and normotensive pregnant patients. The immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), malondialdehyde (MDA) production and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase GSH-Px) were determined in the placental tissue. F2-isoprostane concentration and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were determined in maternal plasma. We found that the PE and IUGR groups showed a higher expression of VEGF in the muscular layer of fetal chorionic vessels. In addition, increased plasma F2 isoprostane levels and a significant reduction of FRAP in the plasma of PE women, as well as a lower activity of SOD in PE placentas and a higher activity of GSH-Px in IUGR placentas were found. Additionally, lower PlGF and higher sFlt1 levels were observed in the maternal plasma of PE and IUGR than control. We concluded that in a hypoxic environment, the placenta expresses VEGF in the muscular layer of fetal vessels. The development of PE could be related to the increased expression of VEGF, with decreased placental SOD activity and a decrease of both plasma F2-isoprostane and FRAP levels. In turn, the development of IUGR could be related to the association of decreased plasma FRAP levels and increased placental GSH-Px activity.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystemic disorder of human pregnancy, clinically characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, edema and platelet aggregation; the syndrome includes vasoconstriction, resulting in maternal hypertension, reduced uterine blood flow, impairment of placenta-vascular endothelial integrity with increased permeability and activation of the coagulation cascade. The aetiopathogenesis of PE remains still unknown, although the central role played by the placenta seems to be crucial. To date, increasing efforts are trying to create an unique and robust biochemical pattern in serum to predict PE. Although the recent data, the definition of an early biochemical pattern in serum to predict PE is still far from reaching the final shape. This stalemate could be due, at least in part, to lack of robust and reproducible methodology (inclusion/exclusion criteria during enrollment, period and type of sample collection, type of sample analysis and interpretation of results) across the different studies. Considering these assumptions, the aim of the current paper is to review the available data about early serum markers of PE.

Preeclampsia is a disorder resulting in significant fetomaternal complications with no definitive pharmacological intervention. A bufadienolide, marinobufagenin, has been implicated in the etiology of preeclampsia. We investigated both the blood and urine levels of marinobufagenin in preeclamptic and control subjects. Preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women were recruited at various gestational age periods. Blood and urine specimens were obtained and analyzed for marinobufagenin levels and creatinine. The former determination was performed utilizing a new, novel chemifluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The marinobufagenin levels were higher in preeclamptics than in the controls in both serum and urine at various gestational age periods. Additionally , the mean level of marinobufagenin in the preeclamptic group was significantly greater than in controls in both blood and urine specimens (p < 0.05). These data are consistent with a role for marinobufagenin in the etiology of preeclampsia. This study demonstrated comparable results in blood and urine samples. This suggests that subsequent studies on levels of marinobufagenin as a screening test for preeclampsia could be done utilizing urine samples, which are easier to obtain, less invasive, more cost-effective, and as accurate as the serological tests.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To compare specific maternal and clinical characteristics and contributing factors among the five leading causes of pregnancy-related mortality to develop focused clinical and public health prevention programs.

METHODS:
California pregnancy-related deaths from 2002-2005 were identified with enhanced surveillance using linked birth and death certificates. A multidisciplinary committee reviewed medical records, autopsy reports, and coroner reports to determine cause of death, clinical and demographic characteristics, chance to alter outcome, contributing factors (at health care provider, facility, and patient levels), and quality improvement opportunities. The five leading causes of death were compared with each other and with the overall California birth population.

RESULTS:
Among the 207 pregnancy-related deaths, the five leading causes were cardiovascular disease, preeclampsia or eclampsia, hemorrhage, venous thromboembolism, and amniotic fluid embolism. Among the leading causes of death, we identified differing patterns for race, maternal age, body mass index, timing of death, and method of delivery. Overall, there was a good-to-strong chance to alter the outcome in 41% of deaths, with the highest rates of preventability among hemorrhage (70%) and preeclampsia (60%) deaths. Health care provider, facility, and patient contributing factors also varied by cause of death.

CONCLUSION:
Pregnancy-related mortality should not be considered a single clinical entity. Reducing mortality requires in-depth examination of individual causes of death. The five leading causes exhibit different characteristics, degrees of preventability, and contributing factors, with the greatest improvement opportunities identified for hemorrhage and preeclampsia. These findings provide additional support for hospital, state, and national maternal safety programs.

PURPOSE:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-systemic disease characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and other typical signs that can negatively affect the development of pregnancy. The outcome of the disease is strongly linked to the possibility of early diagnosis, in order to prevent the clinical manifestations. Pathogenesis is still unknown, although abnormalities of placenta development linked to angiogenesis alterations and abnormal trophoblastic invasion seem to be involved, corroborating the epigenetic theory. Basing on these elements, this review aims to summarize the possible role of miRNAs in PE onset, both as increased or decreased expression in placenta or as maternal serum markers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We considered eligible all original articles (randomized, observational and retrospective studies), published between 2000 and 2016 in English language, about miRNA expression in placenta and maternal serum levels both in uncomplicated and PE pregnancies.
RESULTS:
Available data support a direct correlation between selective miRNAs high/low expression in placenta and maternal serum, although it is still unclear how these epigenetic changes may affect the development and outcomes of the disease.
CONCLUSION:
Future studies should aim to identify a robust panel of miRNA markers in order to predict the onset and development of PE.

Introducción: Desde su primer uso en 1926 en el manejo de la eclampsia el sulfato de magnesio ha sido un medicamento utilizado y estudiado ampliamente por obstetras. Durante mucho tiempo se mantuvo escepticismo sobre sus potenciales beneficios, pero la aparición de estudios bien estructurados aportó evidencia a favor o en contra de algunos de estos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca dela farmacología, fisiología, farmacocinética, mecanismos de acción, principales usos y regímenes de administración del sulfato de magnesio en obstetricia. Metodología: Búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, a través de PubMed, utilizando los términos Magnesium Sulfate, Pharmacology, Obstetrics, Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia, Neuroprotective Agents. Se adicionaron otros artículos con el fin de ampliar información en ciertos temas. Conclusiones: Las propiedades farmacológicas que expresa el sulfato de magnesio se relacionan directamente con su efecto antagónico con el calcio. Muestra efectos a nivel muscular, neuronal, cardiovascular, entre otros. Sus usos en obstetricia abarcan principalmente el manejo de la preeclampsia, prevención de la eclampsia, y prevención de la parálisis cerebral del recién nacido prematuro. El uso como agente tocolítico en el trabajo de parto prematuro aun es discutido ya que la evidencia es inconclusa. [Rodríguez-Hernández PA, Beltrán-Avendaño MA. Aproximación a la farmacología del sulfato de magnesio desde la perspectiva obstétrica. MedUNAB 2016; 19(1): 25-32].

Introduction: Since its first use in 1926 in eclampsia´s management magnesium sulphate has been a drug used and studied extensively by obstetricians. For a long time, practitioners remained sceptical about its potential benefits but the emergence of well-structured studies provided evidence in favor and against. Objective: A review of the literature on the pharmacology, physiology, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, main applications and schemes of administration of the sulfate of magnesium in obstetrics. Methodology: Search in the database MEDLINE via PubMed, using the terms: Magnesium Sulfate, pharmacology, Obstetrics, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Neuroprotective Agents. Other papers were added in order to expand information on some topics. Conclusions: The pharmacological properties that express the magnesium sulfate is linked directly with its effect antagonistic with the calcium. Shows effects to level muscle, neuronal, cardiovascular, among others. Its uses in obstetrics include mainly the management of preeclampsia, prevention of eclampsia, and prevention of cerebral palsy in the premature neonate. The magnesium sulphate tocolytic effects even is discussed because the evidence is inconclusive. [Rodríguez-Hernández PA, Beltrán-Avendaño MA. An approach to the pharmacology of magnesium sulfate from an obstetric perspective. MedUNAB 2016; 19(1): 25-32].

Introdução: Desde que o sulfato de magnésio foi utilizado em 1926, no tratamento de eclampsia, tem sido usado e amplamente estudado por obstetras. Longo o ceticismo sobre seus potenciais benefícios permaneceu, mas tarde o aparecimento de estudos bem estruturados forneceram evidências a favor ou contra algum destes. Objetivo: Revisar a literatura sobre a farmacologia, fisiologia, fármaco cinética, mecanismos de ação, principais usos e administração de sulfato de magnésio em obstetrícia. Metodologia: Pesquisa bibliográfica Medline via PubMed utilizando os termos sulfato de magnésio, farmacologia, obstetrícia, pré-eclâmpsia, eclâmpsia, agentes neuroprotectores. Foram adicionados outros itens, a fim de obter maior informação sobre determinados temas. Conclusões: As propiedades farmacológicas que expressa o sulfato de magnésio estão diretamente relacionadas com o efeito antagônico do cálcio. Mostra os efeitos a nível muscular, neuronal, cardiovascular, entre outros. Em obstetrícia o uso abrange principalmente o tratamento da pré-eclampsia, a prevenção da eclampsia, e prevenção de paralisia cerebral no recém-nascido prematuro. Usa-lo como agente toco lítico no trabalho de parto prematuro é incerto porque a evidência é inconclusa. [Rodríguez-Hernández PA, Beltrán-Avendaño MA. Abordagem farmacológica do sulfato de magnésio a partir da perspectiva obstétrica. MedUNAB 2016; 19(1): 25-32].