Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A review and updates for the emergency physician
Be prepared to manage the full spectrum of HDPs in the ED, as you may be the primary provider initially. Focus on stabilizing the patient and initiating core management protocols while anticipating the need for rapid escalation to obstetrics. Remember that initial resuscitation and stabilization are key roles for the ED physician in this setting.
This review is highly relevant for the emergency physician given the anticipated increased burden of managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) in the ED setting due to evolving access to specialized obstetric care. The article frames HDPs as a broad spectrum of conditions that carry significant risks for both the mother and the neonate. It specifically addresses the need for emergency physicians to assume a greater role in the initial management and resuscitation of these complex patients. While it covers the spectrum of HDPs, its primary utility lies in providing an updated perspective tailored for the acute, often resource-limited, environment of the emergency department.