What is the pre-eclampsia quotient?
The pre-eclampsia quotient measures the ratio of important biochemical markers that are closely related to the adaptation of placental vessels to pregnancy. These markers are called sFlt-1 and PIGF. The marker sFlt-1 is a soluble receptor, which is increasingly produced by the placenta in pre-eclampsia.
It is an important factor in the formation of new blood vessels. At the same time, the factor PIGF is increasingly produced by the mother in cases of undersupply, which plays an important role in pre-eclampsia. The higher the sFlt-1/PIGF ratio, the higher the probability of pre-eclampsia.
In case of pathological changes in the Doppler examination of the arteries in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the sFlt-1/PIGF-quotient is additionally determined. In this way, the probability of pre-eclampsia can be predicted more accurately. The editorial staff also recommends: Risk pregnancy
Associated symptoms of pre-eclampsia
In addition to high blood pressure and proteinuria, there are important accompanying symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Basically all organ systems of the mother can be affected, so that the accompanying symptoms are very diverse. It can lead to shortness of breath, reduced urine excretion and pain in the upper body.
Other possible accompanying symptoms are disorders of blood clotting, severe headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness and nausea. A strong increase in weight (>1 kg) within a few hours indicates the presence of water retention (edema). Ultimately, a growth retardation of the child in ultrasound is an indication of pre-eclampsia.
Preeclampsia without high blood pressure
Preeclampsia is by definition a disease associated with high blood pressure and proteinuria. Therefore, there is no pre-eclampsia without high blood pressure. Proteinuria does not necessarily exist if there are functional disorders in the liver or kidney, abnormalities in the blood count or neurological disorders.
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia after birth
The symptoms of pre-eclampsia are usually limited to the time of pregnancy. They subside quickly after pregnancy. High blood pressure does not persist because it is due to the circumstances of pregnancy.
Women who suffer from pre-eclampsia do not have high blood pressure either before or after giving birth. Within 4 to 6 weeks the woman’s condition improves again. Kidney function gradually returns to normal, so that the kidney values are back in the normal range.
Complications that can occur after preeclampsia, such as eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, can have permanent consequences for the mother. These include kidney failure or even cerebral hemorrhages. However, such complications do not occur in pre-eclampsia.
