Which symptom is characteristic of severe preeclampsia and often prompts escalation of care?

Which symptom is characteristic of severe preeclampsia and often prompts escalation of care?

• A. Headache
• B. Epigastric pain
• C. No symptoms
• D. Uterine cramping

Answer: (B)

Epigastric pain signals hepatic involvement in severe preeclampsia, making it a clear red flag that often prompts urgent escalation of care. When blood pressure is elevated after 20 weeks and there is new epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, clinicians worry about liver involvement and conditions like HELLP syndrome. This prompts immediate maternal and fetal assessment, liver function tests, platelet counts, and communication with the care team about expedited management, including delivery if indicated. Headache can occur with severe features as well, but epigastric pain specifically points to hepatic distress and is a strong trigger for stepping up care. No symptoms or uterine cramping do not align with the severe features of preeclampsia.

Epigastric pain signals hepatic involvement in severe preeclampsia, making it a clear red flag that often prompts urgent escalation of care. When blood pressure is elevated after 20 weeks and there is new epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, clinicians worry about liver involvement and conditions like HELLP syndrome. This prompts immediate maternal and fetal assessment, liver function tests, platelet counts, and communication with the care team about expedited management, including delivery if indicated. Headache can occur with severe features as well, but epigastric pain specifically points to hepatic distress and is a strong trigger for stepping up care. No symptoms or uterine cramping do not align with the severe features of preeclampsia.