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Women with a history of previous preeclampsia are at increased risk of preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. The magnitude of this risk is dependent on gestational age at time of disease onset, severity of disease, and presence or absence of preexisting medical disorders. The objective in the management of these patients is to reduce risk factors by optimizing maternal health before conception and to detect obstetric complications as early as possible. This objective can be achieved by formulating a rational approach that includes preconception evaluation and counseling, early antenatal care, frequent monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being, and timely delivery. First-trimester ultrasound examination is essential for accurate dating and establishing fetal number. Laboratory studies are obtained to assess the function of different organ systems that are likely to be affected by preeclampsia and to establish a baseline for future assessment. Recent studies have confirmed that there is no single biomarker that can be clinically useful for the prediction of recurrent preeclampsia. Combinations of biomarkers and biophysical parameters appear promising, but more data are needed to confirm their use in clinical practice. Supplementation with fish oil, calcium, or vitamin C and E and the use of antihypertensives have been shown to be ineffective in the prevention of recurrent preeclampsia and are not recommended. Supplementation with low-dose aspirin may be offered on an individualized basis. Because women with previous preeclampsia are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, abruptio placentae, and fetal death) in subsequent pregnancies, we recommend more frequent monitoring for signs and symptoms of severe hypertension or preeclampsia than that recommended for normal pregnancy. This monitoring may include more frequent prenatal visits, home blood pressure monitoring, or nursing contacts. For patients with a prior pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction, we recommend serial ultrasound evaluation of fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume. The development of severe gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction, or recurrent preeclampsia requires maternal hospitalization.

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Pregnancies complicated by severe sepsis and septic shock are associated with increased rates of preterm labor, fetal infection, and preterm delivery. Sepsis onset in pregnancy can be insidious, and patients may appear deceptively well before rapidly deteriorating with the development of septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, or death. The outcome and survivability in severe sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy are improved with early detection, prompt recognition of the source of infection, and targeted therapy. This improvement can be achieved by formulating a stepwise approach that consists of early provision of time-sensitive interventions such as: aggressive hydration (20 mL/kg of normal saline over the first hour), initiation of appropriate empiric intravenous antibiotics (gentamicin, clindamycin, and penicillin) within 1 hour of diagnosis, central hemodynamic monitoring, and the involvement of infectious disease specialists and critical care specialists familiar with the physiologic changes in pregnancy. Thorough physical examination and imaging techniques or empiric exploratory laparotomy are suggested to identify the septic source. Even with appropriate antibiotic therapy, patients may continue to deteriorate unless septic foci (ie, abscess, necrotic tissue) are surgically excised. The decision for delivery in the setting of antepartum severe sepsis or septic shock can be challenging but must be based on gestational age, maternal status, and fetal status. The natural inclination is to proceed with emergent delivery for a concerning fetal status, but it is imperative to stabilize the mother first, because in doing so the fetal status will likewise improve. Aggressive [corrected] treatment of sepsis can be expected to reduce the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock and prevention strategies can include preoperative skin preparations and prophylactic antibiotic therapy as well as appropriate immunizations.