Title: The Clinics and Etiology of Preeclampsia
VOLUME: 5 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Christianne A.R. Lok, Rienk Nieuwland, Kees Boer, Augueste Sturk and Joris A.M. Van Der Post
Affiliation:Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, H4-Zuid, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Keywords:Preeclampsia, hypertension, etiology, definition
Abstract: Preeclampsia is a trophoblast-induced disorder of pregnancy with characteristics of a multisystem disease, resulting from an adverse maternal response to (in part) allogenic placental tissue. Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous disorder. Therefore, generalization of results from different studies is difficult and clear definitions are essential. The exact etiology of preeclampsia is still a matter of debate and many theories have been proposed. It is unlikely that a single factor underlies the development of preeclampsia. This review describes definitions of hypertensive disorders in preeclampsia and summarizes the most important pathophysiologic mechanisms.
