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Preeklamsia Kasus Report
Preeklamsia Kasus Report
BRIEF REPORTS
in a 24-Year-Old Woman
until 30 weeks of gestation, at which point deliv- home blood pressures, 6/10 migraine with bilat-
ery was induced due to the development of pla- eral visual scotomas, unremitting abdominal
cental insufficiency and intrauterine growth re- pain, 2+ pitting pedal edema, 1+ facial and hand
BRIEF REPORTS
striction. Preeclampsia presentation is highly edema, and trace urine protein. The patient’s
variable and a high index of suspicion for devel- weight had continued to increase, now measur-
opment during the third trimester must be main- ing 219 pounds as compared to a pre-pregnancy
tained, especially in the setting of multiple risk weight of 180 pounds. She was noted to have
factors as was the case for our patient.5 gained 12 pounds within the last 2 weeks. Fundal
Preeclampsia may lead to eclampsia, the devel- height was 26 cm and fetal heart tones were in
opment of tonic-clonic seizures and coma dur- the range of 140 beats per minute. At that time
ing delivery that can result in fetal and/or mater- the patient was started on labetalol 100 mg and
nal demise. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a referred to a perinatologist.
form of systolic heart failure which affects
1/1300-4000 live births.6 Cardiomyopathy can An ultrasound conducted at 29 weeks revealed a
develop in a small subset of preeclampsia cases; single fetus in a vertex position with an estimat-
it is important to consider this etiology in the ed weight of 2 pounds, 9 ounces (less than 5% of
setting of pulmonary infiltration consistent with normal fetal growth). As previous scans had re-
transudative versus exudative fluid.7 If untreat- vealed the fetus to be at the 25th percentile for
ed, peripartum cardiomyopathy can lead to atrial growth, intrauterine growth restriction became a
or ventricular arrhythmia, thromboembolism, or primary concern. The ultrasound also revealed a
sudden cardiac death. An involved and mindful posterior, premature grade III placenta with ex-
primary care and coordinated specialties team is tensive basal calcifications and a chorionic plate
essential to the successful case management of interrupted by indentations, a finding which
the preeclamptic patient. could lead to placental insufficiency. The pa-
tient was admitted at that time for preeclamptic
evaluation and received a course of beclometha-
sone to expedite fetal lung maturity in anticipa-
CASE PRESENTATION tion of premature delivery. Labetolol was in-
creased to 200 mg.
A 24-year-old African American woman first At 30 6/7 weeks of gestation, the patient present-
presented at 19 weeks gestation to clinic after an ed to the ED with headache, scotomata, and
emergency department (ED) visit for abdominal blurred vision. She was found to have a blood
pain and a blood pressure of 190/90 mmHg (Ta- pressure of 160/110 mmHg and 2+ proteinuria.
ble 1). Upon initial presentation she was nor- Perinatology noted that her amniotic fluid vol-
motensive and not experiencing pain. The pa- ume was decreased markedly, with an amniotic
tient had a positive family history of preeclamp- fluid index (AFI) of 6.5 cm as compared to
sia and eclampsia; her mother had an eclamptic 7.9cm-27.3 cm from 15-40 weeks gestation.8 At
episode and miscarriage of twins within a span this time it was noted the patient was experienc-
of five normal pregnancies. The patient’s first ing irregular contractions. Pelvic examination
pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia, confirmed cervical dilation of 1-2 cm. After in-
requiring induction at 36 weeks of gestation. creasing labetolol to 300 mg, the amniotic fluid
volume improved to an AFI of 9 cm. However
The patient continued to return for prenatal vis- the fetal biophysical profile score was 6, with no
its and at 28 weeks presented with elevated evidence of fetal breathing, including in re-
Weeks%Gestational%Age%(WGA) Pre3pregnancy 19%WGA 20%WGA 25%WGA 27%WGA 28%WGA 29%WGA 30%WGA 7%days%post3partum 10%days%post3partum 30%days%post3partum
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Weight%(pounds) 180 204.8 207.2 219 219 219 219 201.4 202.9 200.86
Vital%Signs %% %%%%%%%BMI 32.9 37.5 37.9 40.1 40.1 40.1 40.1 36.8 37.1 36.8
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Blood%Pressure%(mm%Hg) 190/90 126/84 118/83 132/89 162/93 129/83 160/110 165/130 163/111 122/78
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Hear%Rate%(beats/minute) 109 97 83 110 94 124 127 98
BRIEF REPORTS
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Respiratory%Rate%(breaths/minute) 18 22 20 18 18 18 23 18
Fetal %% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Fundal%Height%(cm) 18 18 25 26 26 28 28
Monitoring%%%%%%Fetal%heart%tones%(beats/minute) 140 150 150 140 140 140 140
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Urine%Protein trace trace negative negative trace trace 2+ Trace
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Serum%Creatinine 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
%Lab%Results%%%%%Platelets%(per%mm^3) 278 288 268 288 268 480 437 384
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Alanine%Aminotransferase%(IU/L) 17 15 12 40 26 30 18
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Aspartate%Aminotransferase%(IU/L) 34 16 18 31 16 25 15
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Brain%natriuretic%peptide%(pg/mL) 268.1 397
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%E/A%Ratio 1.2 1.5
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Pulmonary%Arterial%Pressure%(mmHg) 25 30 40
Imaging %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Mitral%E3F%slope%(mm/s) 70 217 100
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Left%Ventricular%Ejection%Fraction%(%) 70 60 30
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%LV%wall%thickness%(cm) 1.2 1.1 1.1
headache,;mild; 6/10;migraine,; headache,; orthopnea,;dyspnea,; dypsnea 4;pillow;orthopnea,;2+;
pedal;edema scotomata,;2+; scotomata,; crackles lower;extremity;edema,;
pitting;pedal; blurred; dypsnea;on;exertion;after;
Clinical%Signs edema,;1+;facial; vision walking;50;feet,;jugular;
and;hand;edema; venous;distension,;
bilateral;basilar;crackles,;
S3;gallop
labetolol;100;mg,; labetolol;200;mg,; labetolol; amoxicillin/clavulani furosemide;40mg,;
Perinatology; beclomethasone;12.5; 300;mg c;acis;875;mg;for;10; lisinopril;5;mg,;metoprolol;
referral mg;IM;Q12,;amoxicillin; days,;naproxen;500; 25;mg,;albuterol;90;mcg;as;
Treatment for;10;days; mg;every;8;hours needed
Table 1. Vital Signs, Fetal Monitoring, Laboratory Results, Imaging, Clinical Signs, and Treatment in Pre- to Postpartum Period !
sponse to fetal acoustic stimulation. The umbili- Based on clinical signs and radiology, peripar-
cal artery resistance was also found to be elevat- tum cardiomyopathy was a concern and the pa-
ed with a systolic/diastolic blood flow ratio of tient was sent to the cardiology outpatient clinic
3.66 (greater than 3 at ≥28 weeks of gestation for echocardiography. The patient, however, did
predicts a high risk of adverse outcome).9 Fetal not present to the cardiology clinic for follow-
heart rate remained stable; however, the patient up.
was induced to deliver given the heightened
concern for complications. During induction Three days later, the patient presented to the ED
with oxytocin, late decelerations of fetal heart with a complaint of dyspnea, subjective fever,
rate were noted, and an emergency C-section and chills. She was found to have an uncompen-
was warranted. A male infant weighing 1260 g
(2.77 pounds) was safely delivered. He had an
Apgar score of 8 with healthy respiration and
circulation. The patient was seen by her family
practitioner 7 days post-partum for inspection of
the incision site. The patient also complained of
shortness of breath and right chest pain. Upon
auscultation the patient was found to have crack-
les in the right middle lobe base, orthopnea, and
continued expectoration of a clear, milky white
fluid from her lungs. A chest radiograph demon-
strated a consolidation in the right middle lobe
suspicious for pneumonia versus pulmonary
edema. The cardiac silhouette demonstrated a
heart that had enlarged to greater than half of the Figure 1. Chest radiograph demonstrating right middle lower
width of the thorax at its widest point (Figure 1). lobe pulmonary infiltration and concurrent cardiomyopathy.
sated respiratory alkalosis with a pH of 7.5, nificant dyspnea on exertion after walking less
pCO2 of 24, bicarbonate of 18, pO2 of 67 and a than 50 feet as well as significant paroxysmal
hemoglobin saturation of 92.7. She also had an nocturnal dyspnea with 4-pillow orthopnea. She
BRIEF REPORTS
extremely elevated d-dimer of 2.21 µg/mL (nor- had a cough productive of white sputum but no
mal values= <0.5 µg/mL), an increased platelet complaint of fever or chills. Upon physical exam
count of 480/mm3, an elevated troponin of 0.05 she had apparent jugular venous distension and
ng/mL, and a slightly elevated chloride of 110 bilateral basilar crackles but did not have wheez-
mEq/L. Uric acid was also elevated at 7.7 mEq/ ing or rhonchi. Cardiovascular exam revealed an
L, which could indicate renal dysfunction due to S3 gallop and 2+ lower extremity edema. A
systemic shock. The patient continued to have a chest radiograph showed a mildly enlarged car-
decreased O2 saturation on exertion. diovascular silhouette with diffuse bilateral
airspace opacities. The patient was admitted to
Sputum gram stain showed elevated polymor- the hospital, referred to a cardiologist, and was
phonuclear cells and moderate respiratory flora started on furosemide 40mg.
while chest radiography continued to display the
right middle lobe consolidation. The patient was The echocardiogram completed the next day
treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and demonstrated mild tricuspid regurgitation, trace
naproxen; she continued to improve while hos- pulmonary insufficiency with a pulmonary arte-
pitalized. The patient’s respiratory symptoms rial pressure of 40 mmHg, and moderate mitral
resolved with treatment of the atypical pneumo- regurgitation with an ejection fraction of 30%.
nia, and she was discharged three days later. At that time she was diagnosed with systolic
Echocardiogram at this time found trace tricus- heart failure exacerbation of peripartum car-
pid regurgitation and trace pulmonary insuffi- diomyopathy and started on a beta blocker.
ciency with a pulmonary arterial pressure of 30
mmHg. The mitral valve E-F slope was 217 mm/
sec and the D-E separation was 22 mm indicat-
ing a mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation DISCUSSION
with an E/A ratio of 1.5. The left atrium was
found to be enlarged at 4.2 cm (normal range
1.9-3.8 cm). Left ventricular ejection fraction at Preeclampsia results in uteroplacental hypoxia,
this time, however, was preserved at 60%. an imbalance in angiogenic and anti-angiogenic
proteins, oxidative stress, maternal endothelial
Thirteen days later the patient presented to her dysfunction, and elevated systemic inflamma-
primary care practitioner for follow-up of the tion (Figure 2).10,11 It is accompanied by in-
pneumonia. After completing the antibiotic creased sensitivity of the maternal vasculature to
course, the patient continued to experience dys- pressor agents leading to vasospasm and hypop-
pnea and cough exacerbated by the supine posi- erfusion of multiple organs. Microthrombi de-
tion. She reported expectorating a clear fluid velop from the activation of the coagulation cas-
from the lungs and was tachypneic. She was then cade. Vasodilation results in plasma leakage,
referred to a pulmonologist to follow-up for causing edema. The pathogenesis is thought to
pneumonia and investigate alternative causes of arise from placental insufficiency secondary to
the dyspnea. failure of the trophoblast to invade the my-
ometrium. There is decreased placental secre-
Eight days later the patient presented to the pul- tion of the vasodilatory and growth factors
monology clinic. At that time she reported sig- adrenomedulin, prostacyclins, thromboxane
BRIEF REPORTS
of eclampsia), blood pressure >130/80 mmHg at
the first prenatal visit, BMI >26, and black
race.13 Our patient presented with an atypical
preeclampsia, with early clinical signs in the ab-
sence of diagnostic criteria and then rapid devel-
opment of a definitive early-onset preeclampsia
at 30 weeks gestation, which has a particularly
bad prognosis.3 This development highlights the
importance of close monitoring in patients with
preeclampsia risk factors which may not present
Figure 2. Hypertrophic decidual vasculopathy and infarction of spiral with the classic criteria for preeclampsia diagno-
placental arteries in preeclamptic placental tissue.12 Hematoxylin &
eosin (H&E) stain, 100x magnification. sis.
patients compared to pregnant women with non- Obesity and an elevated BMI are associated with
proteinuric hypertension with similar resting an increased risk for preeclampsia.17 Prenatal
blood pressure.16 counseling for lower calorie diets and moderate
exercise before and during pregnancy may help
It is important to consider the etiology of peri- decrease the severe risks of gestational hyper-
partum cardiomyopathy in patients presenting tension and preeclampsia to mother and fetus.
with pneumonia-like vs. transudative symp- The importance of awareness among physicians
toms. Our patient was treated ten days post-par- of the risks of these clinical features in healthy-
tum for pneumonia with only normal respiratory appearing gravid young women, as well as con-
flora cultured. It was atypical, possibly caused tinuity among primary and specialty care
by an imbalance of normal flora within the pul- providers is the key to a safe pregnancy for wom-
monary interstitium and a nidus for infection en with preeclampsia.
created by the presence of excess basilar fluid.
The patient’s dyspnea did not resolve upon com-
pletion of an antibiotic course. At that time, mild
cardiomegaly was noted on chest x-ray and a LEARNING POINTS
cardiogenic pulmonary edema was investigated.
Thirty days post-partum the patient was noted to
have clinical signs of heart failure. A diuretic • Acute on chronic hypertension in pregnant
was started and the patient’s clinical features im- women should be closely monitored due to
proved markedly. She then developed moderate the potential late-term development of
mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgita- preeclampsia.
tion, pulmonic insufficiency, and an ejection
• Development of peripartum cardiomyopa-
fraction of 30%. The ejection fraction during
thy, which can present with respiratory dis-
and after pregnancy had previously been pre-
tress, is a risk associated with preeclampsia.
served at or above 53%. The patient’s brain na-
triuretic peptide (BNP) was elevated to 397 pg/ • Preeclampsia is associated with intrauter-
mL at 31 days post-partum, supporting the diag- ine growth retardation that may necessitate
nosis of systolic heart failure. preterm delivery and intrapartum seizure
The patient’s development of systolic heart fail- prophylaxis.
ure in conjunction with preeclampsia through-
out the pregnancy was unexpected but promptly
treated with rapid amelioration of symptoms.
BRIEF REPORTS
efficacy of the umbilical arterial systolic/diastolic ratio as a screening
The authors would like to acknowledge the as- tool: a prospective blinded study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;162
(6):1518-23.
sistance of Dr. Brian Schulte, Dr. Duane Neu-
mann, Dr. Stephen Brierre, Dr. Lance Lamotte, 9. Hypertension in pregnancy. Report of the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Task Force on Hypertension in
Dr. Wayne Gravois, Dr. Vincent Shaw, Dr. Bri- Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(5):1122-31.
an Benson, and Dr. Kevin Reed in the treatment
10. Mustafa R, Ahmed S, Gupta A, Venuto RC. A comprehensive review
of this patient and provision of documents. of hypertension in pregnancy. J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:105918.
3. Lisonkova S, Joseph KS. Incidence of preeclampsia: risk factors and 15. Benedetti TJ, Kates R, Williams V. Hemodynamic observations in
outcomes associated with early- versus late-onset disease. Am J severe preeclampsia complicated by pulmonary edema. Am J Obstet
Obstet Gynecol. 2013;209(6):544.e1-544.e12. Gynecol. 1985;152(3):330-4.
4. Cunningham FG, Lindheimer MD. Hypertension in pregnancy. N 16. Shahul S, Rhee J, Hacker MR, et al. Subclinical left ventricular
Engl J Med. 1992;326(14):927-32. dysfunction in preeclamptic women with preserved left ventricular
ejection fraction: a 2D speckle-tracking imaging study. Circ
5. Sibai BM. Maternal and uteroplacental hemodynamics for the Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012;5(6):734-9.
classification and prediction of preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2008;52
(5):805-6. 17.Arulkumaran N, Lightstone L. Severe pre-eclampsia and
hypertensive crises. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2013;27
6. Pearson GD, Veille JC, Rahimtoola S, et al. Peripartum (6):877-84.
cardiomyopathy: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and
Office of Rare Diseases (National Institutes of Health) workshop
recommendations and review. JAMA. 2000;283(9):1183-8.