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Case Study
Successful Management of Severe Preeclampsia at Ashwini Hospital
Introduction
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, often the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal. Left untreated, it can lead to severe, even fatal, complications for both the mother and the baby. This case study presents a successful intervention at Ashwini Hospital in managing severe preeclampsia, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the newborn.
Author: Dr. Vijaya K
October 5, 2024
Case Description
A 32-year-old pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation presented to Ashwini Hospital with symptoms of severe headache, blurred vision, and elevated blood pressure (180/120 mm Hg). Initial laboratory tests revealed proteinuria (presence of excess proteins in urine), abnormal liver function tests, and low platelet count, all indicating severe preeclampsia.
The patient had no prior history of hypertension, and this was her first pregnancy. She was immediately admitted to the high-risk pregnancy unit for close monitoring and further intervention.
Management Approach
The obstetrics team at Ashwini Hospital initiated a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, neonatologists, and anesthesiologists. The patient was stabilized with antihypertensive medication and magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, a common complication of severe preeclampsia.
Continuous fetal monitoring was performed to assess the baby’s condition. The decision was made to proceed with early delivery via cesarean section at 30 weeks gestation, as the mother’s condition was deteriorating, and the risk of stillbirth increased.
Outcome
The cesarean section was performed successfully, delivering a premature but otherwise healthy baby weighing 1.2 kg. The newborn was immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for specialized care. The mother’s condition improved post-delivery, with blood pressure stabilizing over the following days.
After a two-week stay in the NICU, the baby showed excellent progress and was discharged with follow-up care instructions. The mother was also discharged with normal blood pressure and no long-term complications.
Discussion
This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and prompt intervention in managing severe preeclampsia. The multidisciplinary approach employed at Ashwini Hospital was crucial to the successful outcome. Regular prenatal visits, close monitoring, and timely decisions about delivery were instrumental in preventing maternal and fetal mortality.
Conclusion
Severe preeclampsia remains a significant cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, with appropriate management protocols, like those implemented at Ashwini Hospital, the risks associated with this condition can be significantly reduced. This case highlights the hospital’s expertise in handling high-risk pregnancies and ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.
