Measurements of Blood Pressure, Oedema and Proteinuria in a Pregnant Population of New Zealand

Summary: This is the first report of the largest study of blood pressure measurement in pregnancy in a New Zealand population using standardized definitions and methodology. Over 3,800 women who delivered in an 8-month period in the Wellington region were included in the study. Blood pressure measurement and the presence of oedema and proteinuria were recorded from booking until delivery and in the puerperium. Only 2.7% of women were unable to be contacted after delivery for details on outcomes. The results established normal ranges for blood pressure throughout pregnancy. The data show that Mood pressure greater than 140/90 until 35 weeks' gestation is outside 2 standard deviations at all gestations and justifies using these measurements as the definition of hypertension in pregnancy. The fall in blood pressure in the 2nd trimester was less than 1 mm Ffg per week in both the systolic and diastolic pressures. This fall was smaller than previously recorded in other studies. Gestational hypertension was the commonest blood pressure abnormality occurring in 15.2% of the population. This represented 69% of the pregnant women with a hypertensive disorder. The overall incidence of both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia was 18.5% which is higher than reported in other parts of the world. In this study obesity was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. An arm circumference of >33 cm, one of the measurements of obesity, was found in 6.8% of the study population. Even after the effect of arm circumference was taken into account, hypertensive disorders were also more common in Pacific Island women. Ankle oedema was significantly associated with the development of both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia but the incidence of oedema was noted in only 11.9% of the subjects.     

Unknown Uterine Sears, Unknown Risks

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We accepted these case reports for publication not only to remind readers that a classical Caesarean scar is more likely than a lower uterine segment scar to rupture or dehisce, but also to stress that women should be counselled appropriately when classical Caesarean section has been performed. Our Australian population is also mobile and women may not return to the same institution or obstetrician for their next confinement. Tracing the details of a previous delivery from another hospital or practitioner even in the same community should be a routine enquiry when a patient has had a Caesarean section in a previous pregnancy but the required information is often difficult to obtain. The woman herse(fis the essential repository for this information. It should also be noted that the recent increase in the number of Caesarean sections performed for fetal indications before 30 weeks' gestation has resulted in more vertical incisions because of a poorly formed lower uterine segment.     

Pelvic Pain Complicating LHRH Analogue Treatment of Fibroids

We present these 3 cases to alert others to the possibility of severe pain with rapid shrinkage of fibroids occurring during LHRH analogue treatment. We suggest management of such events should not be surgical except for vaginal excision of prolapsed fibroid polyps.     

HELLP Syndrome: an Often Unrecognized Complication of Preeclampsia

We describe a case of preeclampsia with the HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) syndrome and highlight the delayed diagnosis due to its nonspecific presentation. This syndrome is associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity and we discuss the importance of early recognition of the condition, aggressive management and a multidisciplinary approach.     

Recurrent Ectopic Pregnancy Following Repeat Sterilization

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We accepted this case for publication not only because of its rare anecdotal interest but to remind readers that sterilization can fail even when performed competently. That this occurred twice in the same patient is extraordinary.     

Hysterectomy Revisited

This paper summarizes the results obtained in 279 vaginal hysterectomies performed in the 5 years 1985-1989 in the public and private practices of a single gynaecologist. It is suggested that it is feasible and safe to perform a hysterectomy vaginally in preference to the abdominal route in the majority of women, even in the absence of uterine descent. It is essential that registrars in training continue to be thoroughly versed in the techniques of vaginal surgery if such techniques are not to be forgotten.     

A Case of Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy

An unusual case of appendicitis in the second trimester of pregnancy is presented. The underlying pathology was shrouded by incomplete abortion. The patient's condition worsened after her uterus was evacuated and it was only at laparotomy that a ruptured appendix was discovered. The need for vigilance in suspecting appendicitis is heightened so as to reduce morbidity and mortality from appendicitis in pregnancy.