Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a systemic syndrome that occurs in 3 to 5% of pregnant women and classically manifests as new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The only known cure is delivery of the placenta. Recent discoveries, however, have led to important advances in understanding the pathogenesis of the condition. Placental antiangiogenic factors are upregulated and disrupt the maternal endothelium. This change in the normal angiogenic balance toward an antiangiogenic state can result in hypertension, proteinuria, glomerular endotheliosis, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome,…