Early detection of pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The current recommended screening approach is to identify risk factors from maternal history and demographic characteristics. Blood pressure and urinary proteins must be determined at every ante-natal visit. Patients with gestational hypertension and/or gestational proteinuria require increased antenatal surveillance because they have an increased risk for developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. We recommend that these patients be considered for management at District level. Local protocols must in place for emergency treatment and referral of patients who develop a sudden acute hypertensive emergency.