[Intrahospital management of women with preeclampsia]

Abstract

The management of the PE patient requires admission in order to perform a meticulous assessment of the mothers' and fetal state, distinguishing between the severe and the mild forms. In moderate forms, the pregnancy is allowed to reach the 37(th) week of gestation. In severe forms of PE, the pregnancy is only allowed to continue under stringent monitoring. Before the 34(th) week of amenorrhea is reached, corticosteroid therapy and transfer to an adapted maternity are recommended. The true benefit provided by antihypertensive therapy in the moderate forms of PE is very limited. The presently recommended antihypertensive agent is nicardipine, which can be used in association with magnesium sulphate provided there is appropriate monitoring.