Delivery of the baby and placenta is the only cure for preeclampsia. As such, the goal of medical management is to reduce the risks for both parent and baby until the time of delivery. The treatments used to meet this goal depend on gestational age and the severity of the condition.[1][2][3]
If preeclampsia is diagnosed at term (≥ 37 weeks of gestation), labor is induced, usually with the medication pitocin (oxytocin). When preeclampsia is diagnosed preterm and no severe features are present, the parent and fetus are closely monitored (e.g., ultrasounds, blood pressure, bloodwork, fetal nonstress tests). Labor is induced at 37 weeks of gestation, unless severe features develop, in which case medications and/or a preterm delivery (before 34 weeks of gestation) may be necessary.[4]
Blood pressure medications, such as hydralazine, labetalol, and nifedipine[5], may be given when blood pressure elevations are severe (usually systolic ≥ 160 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 110 mmHg).[6][5] During and after delivery, magnesium sulfate may be used to prevent seizures.[7][8][9]
Low-dose aspirin therapy may prevent preeclampsia from developing in people at high-risk for this condition. Treatment usually begins before 16 weeks of gestation and continues throughout pregnancy.[10][6]PMDI:17443552
References
- ^Kai-Lun Hu, Chun-Xi Zhang, Panpan Chen, Dan Zhang, Sarah HuntVitamin D Levels in Early and Middle Pregnancy and Preeclampsia, a Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNutrients.(2022 Feb 27)
- ^Xu M, Guo D, Gu H, Zhang L, Lv SSelenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBiol Trace Elem Res.(2016 Jun)
- ^Churchill D, Beevers GD, Meher S, Rhodes CDiuretics for preventing pre-eclampsia.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2007-Jan-24)
- ^Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 222.Obstet Gynecol.(2020 Jun)
- ^Duley L, Meher S, Jones LDrugs for treatment of very high blood pressure during pregnancy.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2013-Jul-31)
- ^Mosca L, Benjamin EJ, Berra K, Bezanson JL, Dolor RJ, Lloyd-Jones DM, Newby LK, Piña IL, Roger VL, Shaw LJ, Zhao D, Beckie TM, Bushnell C, D'Armiento J, Kris-Etherton PM, Fang J, Ganiats TG, Gomes AS, Gracia CR, Haan CK, Jackson EA, Judelson DR, Kelepouris E, Lavie CJ, Moore A, Nussmeier NA, Ofili E, Oparil S, Ouyang P, Pinn VW, Sherif K, Smith SC, Sopko G, Chandra-Strobos N, Urbina EM, Vaccarino V, Wenger NKEffectiveness-based guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women--2011 update: a guideline from the american heart association.Circulation.(2011-Mar-22)
- ^Osungbade KO, Ige OKPublic health perspectives of preeclampsia in developing countries: implication for health system strengthening.J Pregnancy.(2011)
- ^Aaserud M, Lewin S, Innvaer S, Paulsen EJ, Dahlgren AT, Trommald M, Duley L, Zwarenstein M, Oxman ADTranslating research into policy and practice in developing countries: a case study of magnesium sulphate for pre-eclampsia.BMC Health Serv Res.(2005-Nov-01)
- ^Duley L, Gülmezoglu AM, Henderson-Smart DJ, Chou DMagnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsia.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2010-Nov-10)
- ^Henderson JT, Vesco KK, Senger CA, Thomas RG, Redmond NAspirin Use to Prevent Preeclampsia and Related Morbidity and Mortality: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA.(2021-Sep-28)