A 27-year-old primigravida at 35 weeks with severe pre-eclampsia is being managed expectantly. Betamethasone has been administered for fetal lung maturity. Which of the following is the definitive cure for pre-eclampsia in this patient?
- A Antihypertensive therapy to achieve target blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg
- B Delivery of the fetus and placenta ✓
- C Magnesium sulfate administration for 24 hours
- D Plasma volume expansion with intravenous fluids
Correct answer: B. Delivery of the fetus and placenta
Explanation
The only definitive cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the fetus and placenta, as the placenta is the source of anti-angiogenic factors driving the disease. Antihypertensives control blood pressure but do not treat the underlying disease. Magnesium sulfate prevents seizures but does not cure pre-eclampsia. Plasma volume expansion is not a treatment and may cause pulmonary edema in pre-eclamptic women.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.