Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Magnesium plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is also important in the activity of many enzyme reactions, for example carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium sulfate is used as replacement therapy in hypomagnesemia Magnesium sulfate (MgS04) is used in die prevention and control of seizures in obstetric patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH, also referred to as eclampsia and preeclampsia). It may also be added to TPN mixtures. 

More and more babies are being born prematurely (elective Caesarian sections for pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes, foetal distress of varying kinds). Neonatal units need highly specialized skills in managing these tiny creatures - occasionally as much as 10-12 weeks premature. Among the very many special problems of the premature baby are those related to drug administration and elimination. 

The human reproductive process does not fit perfectly into the animal model of reproductive and developmental toxicity. Conditions of the fetal-maternal unit that affect both mother and child have not been adequately addressed in this monograph, although there is some evidence that some of these adverse outcomes, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, may be related to environmental exposure (Tabacova et al., 1998 Dawson et al., 1999). This is a promising frontier for new research. We have also not dealt with genetic susceptibility to developmental toxicants. Advances in this field may illuminate many of the mysteries of how toxicants act, and on whom. Limited data are available on mechanisms of action (see section 5.2.4). The work on oxidative stress in pregnancy (Tabacova et al., 1998 Hubei,... 

Pritchard JA, Pritchard SA. Blood pressure response to estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive after pregnancy-induced hypertension. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1977 129(7) 733-9. 

Franklin K, Holmgren PA, Jonsson F, Poromaa N, Stenlund H, Svanborg E. Snoring, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and growth retardation of the fetus. Chest 2000 117 137-141. 

In the immediate future, many other common problems of pregnancy and the fetus are likely to be reexamined by proteomics and metabolomics, ultimately identifying the best predictive biomarkers for disease and adverse neonatal outcome. As we have begun to see, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), growth restriction in utero, diabetic pregnancy, and placental insufficiency are but a few of the situations in which early proteomic assessment is likely to play a prominent role in the next several years (Figure 8). 

Therapeutic use in hypertension Labetalol is useful for treating the elderly or black hypertensive patient in whom increased peripheral vascular resistance is undesirable. [Note In general black hypertensive patients are not well controlled with (3-blockers.] Labetalol may be employed as an alternative to hydralazine in the treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). 

Pre-eclampsia is pregnancy-induced hypertension in association with proteinuria (>0.3 g in 24 hours) oedema virtually any organ system may be affected. 

Chen G, Wilson R, Cumming G, Walker JJ, Smith WE, et al. 1994. Intracellular and extracellular antioxidant buffering levels in erythrocytes from pregnancy-induced hypertension. J Hum Hypertens 8 37-42. 

Prevost RR, Aki SA, Whybrew WD, Sibai BM. Oral nifedipine pharmacokinetics in pregnancy-induced hypertension. Pharmacother 1992 12 174-7. 

Measurement of plasma uric acid is predominantly used in the investigation of gout, either as a result of a primary hyperuricemia or caused by other conditions or treatments that give rise to secondary hyperuricemias. It is also used in the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclamptic toxemia). 

Bart s (y ). Mothers carrying a fetus with Hb Bart s usually present clinically between 20 and 26 weeks gestation with pregnancy-induced hypertension and polyhydramnios. Ultrasound of the fetus shows hydrops. Severe anemia (Hb usually <80g/L) is noted on a fetal blood sample obtained by cordocentesis. It is important to rule out other causes for the hydropic fetus by performing TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex) testing. 

Treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension Treatment of magnesium deficiency Renal failure... 

This would be significant if a client is at risk for developing pregnancy-induced hypertension but not when taking folic acid. 

Calcium Hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia... 

Dawson, Earl B., Douglas R. Evans, Randall Kelly, et al. 2000. Blood Cell Lead, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels Associated with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Preeclampsia. Biological Trace Element Research 74 107-116. Dawson, Earl B., Douglas R. Evans, and John Nosovitch. 1999. Third-Trimester Amniotic Fluid Metal Levels Associated with Preeclampsia. Archives of Environmental Health 54 412—415. 

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