CASE HISTORY – February 2022

Severely complicated preeclampsia in a healthy woman without risk factors of the disease

Authors: Kadri Käver-Lomp, Kristiina Rull

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Abstract

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy occurring in 1.3-1.8% of pregnancies in Estonia. Preeclampsia usually manifests itself with hypertension and proteinuria, but it may also affect the function of other organ systems. At onset, the disease may be asymptomatic, but it can rapidly progress to life threatening complications for both mother and child. Intracerebral haemorrhage is a rare but possibly fatal complication that is behind most deaths attributed to preeclampsia.

The case report presents a 28- yearold multiparous woman, who developed preeclampsia without any risk factors. Her condition progressed rapidly and shortly, i.e. after termination of pregnancy at 33 weeks by caesarean section she suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage, requiring surgical evacuation. During subsequent intensive care she suffered another rare complication – Ogilvie syndrome, which required partial resection of the colon. Through multidisciplinary approach and teamwork, the patient recovered without significant loss of function and continues to live a full life.