Massive Ascites and Pleural Effusion in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia is defined as new onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and complicates approximately 2-8% of all pregnancies. Release of vasoconstrictive agents, endothelial damage, hyperpermeability of the capillaries and microangiopathic haemolysis involves the basic pathophysiology. It has variable clinical presentation. Here, we report a case of severe preeclampsia who developed postpartum massive ascites and pleural effusion. Primigravid patient was admitted to our clinic at 35 weeks of gestation with very high blood pressure. In biochemical analysis, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 401 U/L, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was 292 U/L. An emergency caesarean section was performed because of fetal distress. On the 2nd post-operative day, abdominal distension and severe abdominal pain occurred. On the 3rd post-operative day, her abdominal distension increased and Ultrasonography (USG) revealed massive ascites. Abdominal drainage was performed and albumin infusion was administered. On postoperative day 4, she still had abdominal distension and concomitant respiratory distress. Computed Tomography (CT) showed ascites and bilateral pleural effusion. Her complaint regressed on the following days.

Keywords

• hypertension
• peritoneal effusion
• pregnancy