Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

LAWRENCE LEEMAN, MD, MPH, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
LEE T. DRESANG, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
PATRICIA FONTAINE, MD, MS, HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, Minnesota

Elevated blood pressure in pregnancy may represent chronic hypertension (occurring before 20 weeks gestation
or persisting longer than 12 weeks after delivery), gestational hypertension (occurring after 20 weeks gestation),
preeclampsia, or preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. Preeclampsia is defined as hypertension and
either proteinuria or thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, impaired liver function, pulmonary edema, or cerebral
or visual symptoms. Proteinuria is not essential for the diagnosis and does not correlate with outcomes. Severe features of preeclampsia include a systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of at least
110 mm Hg, platelet count less than 100 103 per L, liver transaminase levels two times the upper limit of normal,
a doubling of the serum creatinine level or level greater than 1.1 mg per dL, severe persistent right upper-quadrant
pain, pulmonary edema, or new-onset cerebral or visual disturbances. Preeclampsia without severe features can be
managed with twice-weekly blood pressure monitoring, antenatal testing for fetal well-being and disease progression,
and delivery by 37 weeks gestation. Preeclampsia with any severe feature requires immediate stabilization and inpatient treatment with magnesium sulfate, antihypertensive drugs, corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity if less than 34
weeks gestation, and delivery plans. Preeclampsia can worsen or initially present after delivery. Women with hypertensive disorders should be monitored as inpatients or closely at home for 72 hours postpartum. (Am Fam Physician.
2016;93(2):121-127. Copyright 2016 American Academy of Family Physicians.)
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ypertensive disorders affect up

to 10% of pregnancies in the
United States.1 Elevated blood
pressure (BP) in pregnancy may
represent chronic hypertension (occurring
before 20 weeks gestation or persisting longer than 12 weeks after delivery), gestational
hypertension (occurring after 20 weeks gestation), preeclampsia, or preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.1 National
guidelines eliminate the requirement for
proteinuria in the diagnosis of preeclampsia,
recommend delivery at 37 weeks in women
who have gestational hypertension or preeclampsia without severe features, recommend seizure prophylaxis with magnesium
sulfate (MgSO4) only when preeclampsia has
severe features, and call for increased awareness of postpartum hypertension risks.1
Chronic Hypertension
Chronic hypertension is diagnosed by BP of at
least 140/90 mm Hg on two occasions taken
at least four hours apart at 20 weeks gestation
or earlier. Chronic hypertension is associated with preeclampsia, intrauterine growth
restriction, and placental abruption. However, treating mild to moderately elevated

BP does not benefit the fetus or prevent

preeclampsia.2-4 Overtreatment may cause
adverse perinatal outcomes resulting from
placental hypoperfusion,5 so medication
is reserved for women with BP persistently
greater than 150/100 mm Hg.1,6,7 Women with
chronic hypertension should be monitored
for intrauterine growth restriction with serial
ultrasonography after fetal viability, with
intervals dependent on the severity of hypertension, comorbidities, and obstetric history.1
Methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine are
the most commonly used oral agents to treat
severe chronic hypertension in pregnancy.1
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
and angiotensin II receptor blockers are contraindicated because of their association with
intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal
renal failure, oligohydramnios, and death.1
The beta blocker atenolol also may cause
intrauterine growth restriction.1 Thiazide
diuretics that were used before pregnancy
may be continued, but should be stopped if
preeclampsia develops to avoid worsening
intravascular volume depletion.8,9 Women
in active labor with uncontrolled severe
chronic hypertension require rapid treatment, traditionally intravenous labetalol or

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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

WHAT IS NEW ON THIS TOPIC: HYPERTENSIVE
DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that
pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia take lowdose aspirin (81 mg per day) after 12 weeks gestation.
Delivery is generally indicated at 37 weeks gestation
for women who have gestational hypertension or
preeclampsia without severe features.

Management of Gestational
Hypertension and Preeclampsia Without
Severe Features
Maternal and fetal findings

37 0/7 weeks or more of gestation

or
34 0/7 weeks or more of gestation
with:

hydralazine.9 Oral nifedipine may also be used; a small

randomized controlled trial showed that it induces a
faster response than intravenous labetalol.9,10
Gestational Hypertension
Women who develop hypertension after 20 weeks gestation and who do not have proteinuria or other criteria for
preeclampsia are diagnosed with gestational hypertension. This is a provisional diagnosis that includes women
who eventually develop preeclampsia, those with unrecognized chronic hypertension (diagnosed by persistently
elevated BP beyond 12 weeks postpartum), and women
with transient hypertension of pregnancy. Approximately
50% of women diagnosed with gestational hypertension
between 24 and 35 weeks gestation ultimately develop
preeclampsia.11 Management of gestational hypertension
is similar to that of preeclampsia, with expectant monitoring and labor induction at 37 weeks gestation (Figure 1).1
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a multiorgan disease process characterized by hypertension and proteinuria or one of the following features, which are diagnostic when they develop
in the setting of new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks
gestation: thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency,
impaired liver function, pulmonary edema, or cerebral or
visual symptoms. The etiology is becoming clearer with
our understanding of the central role of placental angiogenic proteins, which negatively affect maternal endothelial function1,12 (Table 113-17). Biomarkers and risk factors
are only modestly predictive18-20 (Table 218,19).
DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of preeclampsia requires a systolic BP of at least

140 mm Hg or a diastolic BP of at least 90 mm Hg on at
least two occasions, taken at least four hours apart, plus
new-onset proteinuria or a severe feature1 (Table 321). A
single severe feature in combination with hypertension is
sufficient for the diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria for proteinuria include at least 300 mg of protein in a 24-hour
urine sample or a urinary protein/creatinine ratio of 0.3
or greater.1 Significant proteinuria is excluded if the protein/creatinine ratio is less than 0.19.22 Two urine dipstick measurements of at least 1+ (30 mg per dL) taken
six hours apart suggest preeclampsia-level proteinuria;
122 American Family Physician

Labor or rupture of membranes

Yes

Abnormal maternal-fetal test

results
Ultrasonographic estimate of fetal
weight less than 5th percentile

Delivery
Prostaglandins
if needed for
labor induction

Suspected abruptio placentae

No
Less than 37 0/7 weeks of gestation
Inpatient or outpatient management:
Maternal evaluation: twice weekly
Fetal evaluation
With preeclampsia: twice
weekly nonstress test
With gestational hypertension:
once weekly nonstress test

37 0/7 weeks or more of gestation

Worsening maternal or fetal condition
Labor or premature rupture of membranes

Delivery
Prostaglandins if needed
for labor induction

Figure 1. Algorithm for management of gestational

hypertension or preeclampsia without severe features.
Reprinted with permission from American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists. Hypertension in pregnancy. http://www.acog.org/ResourcesAnd-Publications/Task-Force-and-Work-Group-Reports/Hypertension-inPregnancy. Accessed November 23, 2015.

however, quantitative methods are preferred. Proteinuria

is not essential for diagnosis if a severe feature is present. Urinary protein levels do not correlate with outcome
severity and are not considered a severe feature.1
Severe headache, visual disturbances, and hyperreflexia may signal impending eclamptic seizure. Increasing
peripheral vascular resistance or myocardial dysfunction
may lead to pulmonary edema. Decreased glomerular
filtration rate may progress to oliguria and renal failure.
Liver manifestations include elevated transaminase levels, subcapsular hemorrhage with right upper-quadrant
pain, and capsular rupture with life-threatening intraabdominal bleeding. Preeclampsia-related coagulopathies include HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes,

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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Table 1. Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia

Table 3. Severe Features of Preeclampsia

Abnormal placental implantation (defects in trophoblasts

and spiral arterioles)13
Angiogenic factors (low level of placental growth factor)14
Genetic predisposition (maternal, paternal, thrombophilias)15
Immunologic phenomena16
Vascular endothelial damage17 and oxidative stress

Elevated blood pressure (systolic 160 mm Hg, diastolic

110 mm Hg)
Elevated creatinine level (> 1.1 mg per dL [97 mol per L] or
2 times baseline)
Hepatic dysfunction (transaminase levels 2 times upper
limit of normal) or right upper-quadrant or epigastric pain
New-onset headache or visual disturbances

Information from references 13 through 17.

Platelet count < 100 103 per L (100 109 per L)

Pulmonary edema
Adapted with permission from Leeman L, Dresang L, Fontaine P.
Chapter B: Medical complications of pregnancy. ALSO Provider Syllabus. American Academy of Family Physicians. February 2015:7.

Table 2. Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Relative
risk*

Risk factor
Antiphospholipid antibodies
Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy (particularly
if severe or before 32 weeks gestation)
Diabetes mellitus (preexisting)
Family history of preeclampsia (first-generation
relative)
Multiple gestation
Nulliparity
Elevated body mass index
Maternal age > 40 years
Chronic hypertension or renal disease

10
7
3
3
3
3
2
1.6
NA

NA = not available.
*Compared with pregnant women without the risk factor.
Information from references 18 and 19.

and low platelet count) syndrome and disseminated

intravascular coagulation. Obstetric complications
include intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and fetal demise.
MANAGEMENT

Expectant management of preeclampsia without severe

features may include twice-weekly BP monitoring,
weekly laboratory tests (complete blood count and
monitoring of creatinine levels, alanine transaminase,
and/or aspartate transaminase levels), twice-weekly
fetal nonstress testing, weekly amniotic fluid indices,
and fetal growth ultrasonography every three weeks.1,6
Fetal umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonography is recommended if intrauterine growth restriction is present.1 Seizure prophylaxis with MgSO4 is not required
unless severe features develop1 (number needed to treat
[NNT] = 400 for asymptomatic women with BP less
than 160/110 mm Hg, assuming that 50% of seizures are
preventable23,24). Delivery timing involves balancing the
risks of prematurity against worsening preeclampsia.
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To improve maternal outcomes, delivery is generally

indicated at 37 weeks gestation for women who have
preeclampsia without severe features.1,25,26 Immediate
delivery between between 34 weeks and 36 weeks, six
days is not recommended because of an increase risk of
neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.27
Women who have preeclampsia with severe features
require hospitalization for careful monitoring. Treatment goals are fluid management, seizure prevention,
lowering BP to prevent maternal end-organ damage, and
expediting delivery based on disease severity and gestational age.1 Excessive fluid administration can result in
pulmonary edema and ascites, whereas too little fluid
can exacerbate intravascular volume depletion and endorgan ischemia. Urine output should be maintained
above 30 mL per hour, and a Foley catheter should be
used to monitor urine output if MgSO4 is administered.28
Total intravenous intake should be less than 100 mL per
hour, and total combined oral and intravenous fluids
should be less than 125 mL per hour.28
MgSO4 for Seizure Prophylaxis. MgSO4 helps prevent
eclamptic seizures (NNT=100) and placental abruption (NNT=100) in women who have preeclampsia with
severe features.29 It is more effective for preventing recurrent eclamptic seizures and decreasing maternal mortality than phenytoin (Dilantin), diazepam (Valium), or
a combination of chlorpromazine, promethazine, and
meperidine (Demerol).30-32 BP is only mildly elevated in
30% to 60% of women with eclampsia.33 Those with preeclampsia without severe features should be monitored
closely, and MgSO4 should be started if severe features
develop1 (eTable A).
Women with normal renal function do not require
routine serum magnesium testing; however, testing
should be performed every six hours in those with absent
reflexes, elevated creatinine levels, or decreased urine
output.33 Magnesium toxicity can lead to respiratory
paralysis, central nervous system depression, and cardiac
arrest. Vital functions are lost in a predictable sequence:

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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

if deep tendon reflexes are present, magnesium levels are

rarely toxic. MgSO4 infusion should be discontinued and
the serum magnesium level checked immediately if deep
tendon reflexes are lost, respiratory rate decreases to less
than 12 breaths per minute, or urine output is less than
30 mL per hour.33 Overdoses and maternal deaths have
resulted from improper MgSO4 administration.34 The
antidote for MgSO4 overdose is 1 g calcium gluconate
administered intravenously over two minutes.28
Blood Pressure Management. The optimal BP for
women with severe preeclampsia is unknown. Excessive
lowering of BP may lead to uteroplacental insufficiency.2
It is recommended that systolic BP be maintained at less
than 160 mm Hg and diastolic at less than 110 mm Hg.
A retrospective review of 28 women with preeclampsia
who had a stroke showed that more than 90% had systolic BP greater than 160 mm Hg, and 12.5% had diastolic BP greater than 110 mm Hg, which demonstrates
the importance of pharmacologic treatment when either
BP threshold is reached.35 Intravenous labetalol and
hydralazine are commonly used for acute management
and are equally effective36 (eTable B). Oral nifedipine
is recommended as an alternative, particularly when
urgent lowering of BP is needed and intravenous access
has not been achieved.1,9,36
Expectant Management. Antenatal testing in women
who have preeclampsia with severe features may include
daily nonstress tests, amniotic fluid assessment, and periodic ultrasonography to assess fetal growth. Between 24
and 34 weeks gestation, fetal lung maturity may be accelerated by the use of betamethasone (two 12-mg intramuscular doses given 24 hours apart) or dexamethasone
(four 6-mg intramuscular doses given 12 hours apart).37
Delivery route and timing are based on maternal factors (e.g., disease progression, parity, cervical examination findings) and fetal considerations (e.g., gestational
age, antenatal testing).38,39 Data are limited about expectant management of women who have preeclampsia with
severe features between 24 and 34 weeks gestation.40
Expectant management in a hospital with perinatal
and neonatology services decreases neonatal morbidity
and intensive care unit stay. However, many women are
not candidates for expectant management and require
urgent delivery.40 Delivery is indicated after maternal
stabilization without waiting 48 hours after corticosteroid administration in women with resistant severe
hypertension, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, abruption, or other maternal or fetal deterioration. Delivery
should occur after 48 hours of antenatal corticosteroid administration in women with thrombocytopenia
(platelet count less than 100 103 per L [100 109
124 American Family Physician

per L]), transaminase levels two times the upper limit

of normal, intrauterine growth restriction (less than 5th
percentile), severe oligohydramnios, umbilical artery
reversed end-diastolic flow, or new or worsening renal
dysfunction. If maternal and fetal conditions allow,
corticosteroids should be administered to women with
preeclampsia and preterm labor or rupture of membranes before 34 weeks estimated gestational age.1
Attempted vaginal delivery is recommended in women
who have preeclampsia with severe features if it is not
otherwise contraindicated.6 Indications for cesarean
delivery include recurrent seizures refractory to medical management, severely elevated BP that is resistant
to antihypertensive medications, and maternal or fetal
deterioration remote from delivery. Some experts recommend cesarean delivery in preeclamptic patients with
severe features and an unfavorable cervix who require
delivery before 30 weeks gestation.37
HELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome occurs in less than 1% of all pregnancies, but in 20% of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia with severe features.1,41,42 HELLP syndrome
may present at term (18%), preterm (53%, including
11% before 27 weeks gestation), or postpartum (30%).41
Diagnosis is challenging because symptoms can mimic
those of other illnesses.38,43 Clinicians must consider
HELLP syndrome in patients who do not have classic
preeclampsia symptoms because 12% to 18% of women
with the condition are normotensive and 13% do not
have proteinuria.39 Although HELLP syndrome may be
considered a subtype of preeclampsia, atypical HELLP
syndrome can be diagnosed without meeting the BP
criteria for the diagnosis of preeclampsia.1,39 Evaluation
includes a complete blood count and liver transaminase
testing38 (eTable C). A disseminated intravascular coagulation workup (fibrinogen, prothrombin time, partial
thromboplastin time) should be ordered for women with
abnormal bleeding or a platelet count less than 50 103
per L (50 109 per L).
Women with HELLP syndrome should receive MgSO4
from admission until 24 to 48 hours postpartum.39
Platelets are indicated for those with counts less than
20 103 per L (20 109 per L) before vaginal delivery
or less than 50 103 per L before cesarean delivery or
in women with abnormal bleeding. Regional anesthesia
is safe when the platelet count is greater than 100 103
per L, but should be avoided if the count is less than
50 103 per L. Corticosteroids increase platelet counts
in women with HELLP syndrome,44,45 but they have
not been shown to improve fetal or maternal outcomes

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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

except for the proven benefit on fetal lung maturation

before 34 weeks gestation.
Eclampsia
Eclamptic seizures are a life-threatening emergency and
can occur antepartum (53%), intrapartum (19%), or
postpartum (28%).46 Eclampsia before 20 weeks gestation is rare in the absence of gestational trophoblastic
disease. Eclampsia may be preceded by central nervous
system symptoms such as headache (80%) and visual
changes (45%).47 However, seizures can occur without
other severe features of preeclampsia and with a normal
BP; 15% of women with eclampsia have a diastolic BP
less than 90 mm Hg.46 Eclamptic seizures are usually
generalized 60- to 90-second seizures. Postictal confusion, agitation, or combativeness may follow. During an
eclamptic seizure, the fetus often manifests hypoxiarelated bradycardia, but usually recovers. Table 4 presents principles for management of eclamptic seizures.33

postpartum, so all women should receive information

about symptoms before discharge. Preeclampsia is a risk
factor for future cardiovascular disease, especially if it
occurs in multiple pregnancies or is associated with intrauterine growth restriction or required delivery before
37 weeks gestation.1 Prevention or treatment of comorbidities for cardiovascular disease is recommended.
Prevention
The use of low-dose aspirin (80 mg) has a small to moderate effect on the prevention of preeclampsia (NNT = 72);
the effect is greatest (NNT = 19) in women at highest risk
of developing preeclampsia.50 The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends
low-dose aspirin starting in the late first trimester for
women with a previous delivery before 37 weeks gestation
due to preeclampsia or in more than one previous pregnancy.1 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
expands the recommendation to include women with
multifetal pregnancies, chronic hypertension, type 1 or 2
diabetes mellitus, renal disease, autoimmune diseases, or
several moderate risk factors.51 Calcium supplementation

Postpartum Management of Preeclampsia

After delivery, most women with preeclampsia experience diuresis, a decrease in BP, and general
improvement. The greatest risk of postpartum eclampsia is in the first 48 hours33 ;
Table 4. Principles of Management of Eclamptic Seizures
hypertension may worsen after delivery as
third space fluid returns to the vasculature.
Maintain situational awareness. An eclamptic seizure is dramatic and
MgSO4 should be continued for 12 to 24
disturbing. The attending clinician is challenged to maintain a purposeful
hours after delivery.33,37,48 Inpatient obsercalm and to avoid unnecessary interventions that can result in iatrogenic
complications.33
vation or close home monitoring is recomAvoid polypharmacy. Do not attempt to shorten or abolish the initial
mended for 72 hours postpartum in women
convulsion by using drugs such as diazepam (Valium) or phenytoin
with gestational hypertension or preeclamp(Dilantin). Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for initial and
1
sia. The postpartumtreatment threshold is
recurrent convulsions. Polypharmacy can lead to maternal or neonatal
a systolic BP of 150 mm Hg or greater, or a
respiratory depression, aspiration, or other adverse effects.
diastolic BP of 100 mm Hg or greater on two
Protect the airway, and minimize the risk of aspiration. Place the
occasions at least four hours apart. Women
patient on her left side and suction her mouth. Call for someone skilled
in intubation to be immediately available.
with a systolic BP of 160 mm Hg or greater or
Prevent maternal injury. Falls from the bed can result in contusions or
diastolic BP of 110 mm Hg or greater should
fractures, and head injury may result from violent seizure activity. Close
be rechecked within 15 minutes, and antiobservation and use of soft padding and side rails on the bed may help
hypertensive treatment should be started
prevent injuries.
9
within 60 minutes if BP is still elevated.
Administer magnesium sulfate to control convulsions. If the patient
Women with hypertension that persists for
has already received a prophylactic loading dose and is receiving a
more than 24 hours after delivery should not
continuous infusion when the seizure occurs, an additional 2 g should be
given intravenously. Otherwise, a 4- to 6-g loading dose should be given
take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
intravenously over 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion
because they may worsen BP.1 Although data
of 2 g per hour. The loading dose and subsequent bolus should not total
on postpartum hypertensive management
more than 8 g for a recurrent seizure.33
49
are lacking, oral nifedipine or labetalol and
Follow delivery plan. Avoid the temptation to perform immediate
intravenous labetalol or hydralazine are comcesarean delivery for a self-limited seizure episode.
monly used.9,37 Patients should be rechecked
Information from reference 33.
seven to 10 days after discharge, or earlier
if symptomatic.1 Preeclampsia may begin
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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Clinical recommendation
Women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia without severe features should have
planned delivery at 37 weeks gestation.
Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice to prevent eclamptic seizures (NNT = 100) and
placental abruption (NNT = 100) in women who have preeclampsia with severe features.
Magnesium sulfate is more effective than diazepam (Valium) or phenytoin (Dilantin) for preventing
recurrent eclamptic seizures and decreasing maternal mortality.
Intravenous labetalol or hydralazine or oral nifedipine may be used to treat severe hypertension
during pregnancy.
For women who have preeclampsia with severe features between 24 and 34 weeks gestation,
expectant management with close monitoring of the mother and fetus reduces neonatal
complications and days in the intensive care unit.
Low-dose aspirin has small to moderate benefits in the prevention of preeclampsia among at-risk
women (NNT = 72). The NNT falls to 19 among those at greatest risk.
Calcium supplementation may decrease the incidence of hypertension, preeclampsia, and mortality
among high-risk women with low calcium intake. However, women in the United States or other
developed countries are unlikely to benefit.

Evidence
rating

References

1, 25

23, 24, 29

31, 32

36

40

50

1, 52

NNT = number needed to treat.

A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease-oriented
evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go to http://www.aafp.org/afpsort.

may prevent hypertension, preeclampsia, and maternal

death in high-risk women with low calcium intake, which
is rare in developed countries.1,52 A decision model analysis demonstrated that using the broader USPSTF criteria
would decrease the rate of preeclampsia from 4.18% to
3.83% through treatment of 23.5% of women compared
with a decrease to 4.17% through the treatment of 0.35%
of women with the ACOG criteria.53
Data Sources: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries
using key terms including preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational
hypertension. The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled
trials, clinical trials, and reviews. Also searched were the Cochrane database, UpToDate, Essential Evidence Plus, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, and clinical guidelines and evidence reports from the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality. Search date: November 15, 2014, and
November 15, 2015.
This article is one in a series on Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
(ALSO), initially established by Mark Deutchman, MD, Denver, Colo. The
coordinator of this series is Larry Leeman, MD, MPH, ALSO Managing
Editor, Albuquerque, N.M.
This review updates a previous article on this topic by Leeman and
Fontaine.54

The Authors
LAWRENCE LEEMAN, MD, MPH, is a professor of family and community
medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New
Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. He is the director of Family Medicine Maternal and Child Health Service and co-medical director
of the mother-baby unit at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Dr.
Leeman is managing editor of the Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
(ALSO) program.
LEE T. DRESANG, MD, is a professor and maternity care clinical coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the

126 American Family Physician

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison.

He is a member of the ALSO Editorial Board and the Family Physicians
Inquiry Network Board.
PATRICIA FONTAINE, MD, MS, is a senior clinical research investigator at
the HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research in Bloomington,
Minn. She is a member of the ALSO Advisory Board.
Address correspondence to Lawrence Leeman, MD, MPH, University
of New Mexico, 2400 Tucker NE, 3rd Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(e-mail: [email protected]). Reprints are not available from the
authors.
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factors in its pathogenesis. Physiology (Bethesda). 2009;24:147-158.

33. Sibai BM. Diagnosis, prevention, and management of eclampsia. Obstet

Gynecol. 2005;105(2):402-410.
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learned from recent trials. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004;190(6):1520-1526.
35. Martin JN Jr, Thigpen BD, Moore RC, et al. Stroke and severe preeclampsia and eclampsia: a paradigm shift focusing on systolic blood pressure.
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15. Lin J, August P. Genetic thrombophilias and preeclampsia: a meta

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39. Sibai BM. Diagnosis, controversies, and management of the syndrome

of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. Obstet
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16. Colucci F, Boulenouar S, Kieckbusch J, et al. How does variability of

immune system genes affect placentation? Placenta. 2011;32(8):
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4 0. Churchill D, Duley L, Thornton JG, et al. Interventionist versus expectant

care for severe pre-eclampsia between 24 and 34 weeks gestation.
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17. George EM, Granger JP. Endothelin: key mediator of hypertension in

preeclampsia. Am J Hypertens. 2011;24(9):964-969.

41. Sibai BM, Ramadan MK, Usta I, et al. Maternal morbidity and mortality in
442 pregnancies with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome). Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;169(4):1000-1006.

18. Duckitt K, Harrington D. Risk factors for pre-eclampsia at antenatal booking: systematic review of controlled studies. BMJ. 2005;330(7491):565.
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the community. BMJ. 2005;330(7491):576-580.
20. Kenny LC, Black MA, Poston L, et al. Early pregnancy prediction of preeclampsia in nulliparous women, combining clinical risk and biomarkers:
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study. Hypertension. 2014;64(3):644-652.

42. Weinstein L. Syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low

platelet count: a severe consequence of hypertension in pregnancy. Am
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43. ACOG practice bulletin: thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Number 6,
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21. Leeman L, Dresang L, Fontaine P. Chapter B: Medical complications of

pregnancy. ALSO Provider Syllabus. February 2015:1-38.

4 4. OBrien JM, Shumate SA, Satchwell SL, et al. Maternal benefit of corticosteroid therapy in patients with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver
enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome: impact on the rate of
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22. Rodriguez-Thompson D, Lieberman ES. Use of a random urinary

protein-to-creatinine ratio for the diagnosis of significant proteinuria
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4 8. Maia SB, Katz L, Neto CN, et al. Abbreviated (12-hour) versus traditional (24-hour) postpartum magnesium sulfate therapy in severe preeclampsia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2014;126(3):260-264.

26. Spong CY, Mercer BM, Dalton M, et al. Timing of indicated late-preterm
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51. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation statement:

low dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia: preventive medication, September 2014. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/
Document / RecommendationStatementFinal /low-dose-aspirin-usefor-the-prevention-of-morbidity-and-mortality-from-preeclampsiapreventive-medication. Accessed November 15, 2015.
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www.aafp.org/afp

American Family Physician127

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

eTable A. Administration of Magnesium Sulfate for

Severe Preeclampsia or Severe Gestational Hypertension
Administer loading dose of 4 to 6 g mixed in 100 mL of water, 5%
dextrose solution, or 0.9% normal saline intravenously over 15 to
20 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of 2 g per hour.
Monitor reflexes, mental status, respiratory status, and urine output.
Monitor magnesium levels (therapeutic range = 4 to 8 mg per dL) if
patient has renal dysfunction, elevated creatinine levels, urine output
< 30 mL per hour, loss of reflexes, or other symptoms.
Information from Sibai BM. Diagnosis, prevention, and management of eclampsia.
Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105(2):402-410.

eTable B. Dosing of Hydralazine, Labetalol, and

Nifedipine for Severe Preeclampsia
Hydralazine, 5 to 10 mg IV over 2 minutes. If systolic BP 160 mm Hg or
diastolic BP 110 mm Hg after 20 minutes, administer an additional 10
mg IV. If above threshold BP after an additional 20 minutes, switch to IV
labetalol.A1 May use constant IV infusion at rate of 0.5 to 10 mg per hour.A2
Labetalol, 20 mg IV initial dose. If the initial dose is not effective, double
to 40 mg and then again to 80 mg at 10-minute intervals until target BP
is reached. If systolic BP 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP 110 mm Hg after
the 80-mg dose, switch to IV hydralazine. A3,A4 The maximal dosage of IV
labetalol is 220 to 300 mg in 24 hours. A1,A3
Nifedipine, 10 mg oral initial dose. If systolic BP 160 mm Hg or diastolic
BP 110 mm Hg after 30 minutes, administer an additional 20 mg
orally. If above threshold BP 30 minutes after second dose, administer
additional 20 mg. May then administer 10 to 20 mg every 4 to 6 hours. A1
BP = blood pressure; IV = intravenous.
Information from:
A1. Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee opinion no. 623: emergent therapy
for acute-onset, severe hypertension during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Obstet Gynecol. 2015;125(2):521-525.
A2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Task Force on Hypertension
in Pregnancy. Hypertension in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(5):1122-1131.
A3. Report of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;183(1):S1-S22.
A4. Sibai BM. Diagnosis and management of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;102(1):181-192.

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2016
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Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

eTable C. Diagnostic Criteria for HELLP Syndrome

Alanine or aspartate transaminase levels 2 times upper
limit of normal
Hemolysis
Lactate dehydrogenase > 600 U per L (10.0 kat per L)
Peripheral blood smear shows evidence of damaged
erythrocytes (e.g., schistocytes, burr cells, helmet cells)
Serum bilirubin 1.2 mg per dL (20.5 mol per L)
Platelet count < 100 103 per L (100 109 per L)
HELLP = hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
Information from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Hypertension in pregnancy. http://www.acog.org/Resources-AndPublications/Task-Force-and-Work-Group-Reports/Hypertension-inPregnancy. Accessed November 23, 2015.

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