Introduction
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. They encompass a broad spectrum—from relatively mild gestational hypertension to life-threatening complications such as eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Timely diagnosis, appropriate classification, close monitoring, and evidence-based management are crucial to optimize outcomes. Recent guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), alongside insights from Williams Obstetrics and emerging biomarker research, inform the current best practices outlined below.
1. Definition and Classification
Definition of Hypertension in Pregnancy
Blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart.
Considered “severe-range” if BP ≥160/110 mmHg, confirmed within about 15 minutes.
ACOG and other major guidelines categorize hypertensive disorders in pregnancy into four main groups:
Preeclampsia–Eclampsia
Preeclampsia: New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks’ gestation with either proteinuria or other systemic findings (e.g., thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction, renal insufficiency, neurological or hematological complications).
Eclampsia: The occurrence of new-onset tonic-clonic seizures in a patient with preeclampsia, not attributable to other causes.
Chronic Hypertension
Hypertension present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks’ gestation.
Also includes hypertension that persists longer than 12 weeks postpartum.
Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia
Worsening blood pressure or newly developing proteinuria/other systemic features in a patient already diagnosed with chronic hypertension.
Gestational Hypertension
New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks’ gestation without proteinuria or the systemic features of preeclampsia.
2. Key Diagnostic Criteria
Blood Pressure Thresholds
New-Onset Hypertension: Systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or Diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (on at least two measurements, 4 hours apart).
Severe Hypertension: Systolic BP ≥160 mmHg or Diastolic BP ≥110 mmHg.
Proteinuria (if available)
≥300 mg protein in a 24-hour urine collection, or
Protein/Creatinine ratio ≥0.3 mg/dL, or
Urine dipstick ≥2+ (only if quantitative methods are unavailable).
Severe Features of Preeclampsia
Severe-range BP (≥160/110 mmHg).
Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100,000/μL).
Renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >1.1 mg/dL or doubling of baseline).
Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT ≥2× the upper limit of normal).
Persistent epigastric or right upper quadrant pain.
Neurological symptoms (e.g., severe headache unresponsive to medications, visual disturbances).
Pulmonary edema.
Note: Preeclampsia with severe features can be diagnosed even in the absence of proteinuria if other severe criteria are present.
3. Pathophysiology (Brief Overview)
Abnormal placentation—characterized by inadequate trophoblast invasion of uterine spiral arteries—leads to reduced placental blood flow (placental ischemia). The ischemic placenta releases a variety of factors, including antiangiogenic molecules (e.g., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFlt-1]) and inflammatory cytokines, which trigger systemic endothelial dysfunction. The resulting effects include vasoconstriction, increased capillary permeability, and activation of coagulation pathways.
Emerging Biomarker Testing
sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio: Gaining traction as a diagnostic adjunct in patients with uncertain clinical findings. FDA clearance in 2023 has paved the way for broader clinical use in ruling in or ruling out preeclampsia.
4. Prevention
Low-Dose Aspirin
81 mg daily (some newer studies suggest 81–150 mg) recommended for patients at high risk of preeclampsia (e.g., prior preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, CKD, multifetal gestation) or those with multiple moderate-risk factors.
Begin between 12 and 16 weeks’ gestation; continue until delivery.
Calcium Supplementation
May reduce the risk of preeclampsia in populations with low dietary calcium intake.
Lifestyle Measures
There is no clear evidence that bed rest, sodium restriction, or supplementation with vitamins C/E/D, folic acid, fish oil, or garlic significantly prevents preeclampsia.
5. Management by Disease Category
A. Chronic Hypertension
Blood Pressure Goals
Aim for BP within the range of 120–160/80–110 mmHg.
Initiate or optimize oral antihypertensives if BP ≥160/110 mmHg. Some clinicians consider starting therapy at thresholds around 150/100 mmHg.
Preferred Medications
Labetalol, nifedipine, or methyldopa.
Avoid ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists due to fetal risks.
Fetal Surveillance
Non-Stress Tests (NST) weekly or biweekly.
Routine growth ultrasounds to monitor for intrauterine growth restriction (especially in the third trimester).
Timing of Delivery
If blood pressure is well-controlled and there is no superimposed preeclampsia, expectant management until at least 37–38 weeks is typical.
B. Gestational Hypertension (Without Severe Features)
Initial Evaluation
Admit initially to exclude severe features (repeating labs, checking symptoms, close BP monitoring).
Medication
No routine oral antihypertensives unless BP reaches severe levels (≥160/110 mmHg).
Outpatient Follow-Up
Weekly or twice-weekly BP checks, assessment of symptoms, and fetal surveillance.
Timing of Delivery
Delivery at 37 weeks if stable and without progression to preeclampsia.
C. Preeclampsia (Without Severe Features)
Evaluation
Similar to gestational hypertension: hospital observation to rule out severe features (laboratory tests, 24-hour BP monitoring).
Medication
Antihypertensives generally reserved for severe-range BP.
Delivery
Recommended at 37 weeks if no severe features are present.
D. Preeclampsia or Superimposed Preeclampsia with Severe Features
Definitive Treatment: Delivery
≥34 weeks: Delivery is recommended.
<34 weeks: Consider expectant management (hospitalization, corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity, close maternal-fetal monitoring) if the mother is stable. Delivery is indicated if significant maternal or fetal deterioration occurs.
Acute Blood Pressure Control
IV labetalol or hydralazine, or immediate-release oral nifedipine to maintain BP below 160/110 mmHg and reduce the risk of stroke.
Seizure Prophylaxis
IV Magnesium Sulfate is the standard of care for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Monitor for magnesium toxicity by assessing respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and urine output.
Intrapartum & Postpartum Care
Continue magnesium sulfate throughout labor and for 24 hours postpartum.
Be vigilant for postpartum complications such as stroke, pulmonary edema, or progression of HELLP syndrome.
E. HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets)
Clinical Approach
Managed as severe preeclampsia, with heightened vigilance for complications like liver hematoma or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Delivery
Indicated at ≥34 weeks or sooner if maternal or fetal status worsens.
F. Eclampsia
Seizure Management
IV Magnesium Sulfate (bolus + maintenance) remains the first-line therapy.
Supportive Measures
Airway protection and hemodynamic stabilization are paramount.
Timing of Delivery
Delivery once the mother is stabilized; eclampsia itself is not an absolute indication for cesarean delivery unless obstetric factors dictate it.
6. Postpartum Management
Immediate Postpartum Monitoring
Hypertension, fluid balance, and organ function can worsen within the first 24–72 hours postpartum.
Continue magnesium sulfate for 24 hours postpartum in severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Medication Considerations
Avoid methylergonovine in hypertensive patients because of the risk of exacerbating hypertension.
Follow-Up
Recheck BP at 1–2 weeks postpartum.
If hypertension persists beyond 12 weeks postpartum, the patient is reclassified as having chronic hypertension.
7. Long-Term Health Implications
A history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia elevates a woman’s risk for future cardiovascular disease (CVD), including chronic hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
Lifestyle modifications (healthy diet, exercise, weight management) and regular follow-up with primary care or cardiology are recommended to mitigate these long-term risks.
8. Recent and Upcoming Updates
sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio: FDA-cleared in 2023 for expanded use to help rule in or rule out preeclampsia in uncertain clinical scenarios.
Aspirin Prophylaxis: Continues to be a cornerstone for high-risk patients; some newer studies suggest a dose range of 81–150 mg daily.
Novel Therapies: Research targeting angiogenic pathways is ongoing, though not yet standard of care.
Conclusion
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy—from gestational hypertension to preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome—require systematic assessment, vigilant monitoring, and timely intervention. Key strategies include appropriate BP control, seizure prophylaxis for severe cases, and careful determination of delivery timing. Recent biomarker advances (such as the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio) and low-dose aspirin prophylaxis in at-risk populations underscore the evolving landscape of care. Ultimately, proactive postpartum follow-up and long-term cardiovascular risk management are vital for improving the lifelong health of women who experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
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