Expectant management of pre-eclampsia: delivery triggers and corticosteroids
THE CONTEXT
Continuing pregnancy during expectant management depends on preserving maternal and fetal wellbeing.
Treatment aim and delivery
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Treatment aims to continue pregnancy, if possible, without adversely affecting maternal prognosis.
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Deterioration of maternal or fetal condition may require delivery at any time during expectant management.
Corticosteroid benefits
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Corticosteroids are recommended for fetal lung maturation.
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The passage states that corticosteroid administration reduces neonatal RDS, IVH and NEC, as well as maternal thrombocytopenia.
Clinical assessment
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Assessment includes rest, blood pressure checks six or more times daily, complete blood count and platelet count.
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Other listed assessments include uric acid, creatinine, liver function tests, urine protein or protein/creatinine ratio, ophthalmoscopy and fetal wellbeing assessment.