Specific cause of clonus and DTRs in PIH

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I'm studying for my Inpatient Obstetrics NCC exam. I can't find the cause for increased DTR's and clonus for pre ecclampsia. I think it has something to do with Hypocalcemia? or something. Does anyone know? I've looked in William's, Googled it, etc, and still can't find the answer. Thanks

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

Central Nervous System irritation. Result of increased cerebral vascular resistance and cerebral edema.

That's my understanding of it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Acute Rehab.
i'm studying for my inpatient obstetrics ncc exam. i can't find the cause for increased dtr's and clonus for pre ecclampsia. i think it has something to do with hypocalcemia? or something. does anyone know? i've looked in william's, googled it, etc, and still can't find the answer. thanks

i was intrigued by this question and found this info online. hope it helps a bit.

"a fundamental part of preeclampsia is vasospasm- where the vessels just clench down intermittently- clonus or hyperreflexia, is a sign that the vasospasm is worsening and causing central nervous system damage- so as far as omnious signs of preeclampsia go, it's up there, as it indicates cns involvement.

any indication of cns involvement is particularly concerning, because it's cns involvement that leads to eclampsia. magnesium sulfate, interestingly enough, is used to prevent eclampsia because it depresses the cns."

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Thank You so much. It makes sense now. Wow, I should have joined his site sooner! I could have saved hours of book scanning and internet searching.

Thanks Again.

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