A case of pre-eclampsia arising in the fourth pregnancy

A case of severe pre-eclampsia, with histologically proven eclamptogenic glomerulopathy, appearing in the 32nd wk of the 4th pregnancy is presented. During 'conservative' management with bed-rest and sodium restriction, further deterioration of circulation took place. The results are described of treatment with a combination of a peripheral-acting antihypertensive drug and volume expansion, whereby the fetus could remain in utero until sufficient maturation of the respiratory system could be proven.