Preeclampsia as the great impostor
Article Abstract:
Preeclampsia is a condition that is characterized by high blood pressure, edema (the accumulation of fluid in tissues), and protein in the urine (proteinuria). It occurs most often in women who are pregnant for the first time and usually begins after week 20 of pregnancy. Another disorder that can occur during pregnancy is called the HELLP syndrome. It causes hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), high levels of liver enzymes in the blood, and low levels of blood cells called platelets. In the past, it was common for these conditions to be misdiagnosed as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), lupus erythematosus (connective tissue disease), cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), detached retina, or ulcers in the stomach or intestines. However, it now appears that many surgical and medical problems that occur during pregnancy are misdiagnosed as preeclampsia or the HELLP syndrome. This article describes the case reports of 11 patients with surgical or medical problems who were misdiagnosed because they produced symptoms similar to those of preeclampsia or the HELLP syndrome. Sixteen of the cases were caused by kidney disease and high blood pressure. There were four cases of ruptured gall bladder, three cases of cocaine abuse, three cases of lupus erythematosus, two cases of heart disease, and two cases of cancer. For many of these patients, the incorrect diagnosis meant that appropriate treatment was delayed and the number of infants delivered early was increased. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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Maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 concentrations are not increased in early pregnancy and decrease more slowly postpartum in women who develop preeclampsia
Article Abstract:
Maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 concentrations across pregnancy and immediately postpartum in women who developed preeclampsia and normal pregnant women is measured. Increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 is more likely to be present in women with severe preeclampsia, but is not present in all women with preeclampsia.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2005
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Correlation of quantitative protein measurements in 8-, 12-, and 24-hour urine samples for the diagnosis of preeclampsia
Article Abstract:
Urine from pregnant women with symptoms of preeclampsia can be tested for protein at 8 or 12 hours instead of 24 hours. This will allow doctors to diagnose and treat the condition much sooner. Protein in the urine and hypertension are two of the signs of preeclampsia.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2001
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