PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:

Increased Cardiac output

Injury of the endothelial cells of the arteries and prostaglandins begin to act

Reduced responsiveness to BP changes appears to be lost

Vasoconstriction occurs and BP increases dramatically

Increased peripheral resistance

Cardiac system becomes overwhelmed

Vasospasm

Vascular effects Kidney effects Interstitial effects Visual effects Placental effects

Vasoconstriction Decreased glomeruli Diffusion of fluid Spasm of the Poor placental filtration rate and from blood stream arteries in the perfusionincreased permeability into interstitial retina

Poor organ of glomeruli membranes tissueperfusion Reduced fetal

Vision changes nutrients and Increased serum blood Edema oxygen supply

Increased BP urea nitrogen, uric acid,and creatinine Retinal

hemorrhage

Decreased urine outputand proteinuria Blindness

Eclampsia

Modifiable Risk Factors: smoking, multipara, hydramnios, poor nutrition (excess sodium intake), heart disease, diabetes (w/ vessel or renal involvement) and essential hypertension

Non-modifiable Risk Factors: women of color, primiparas younger than 20 yrs and older than 40 yrs and women with multiple pregnancies