Preeclampsia prevention and management

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder specific to pregnancy with a high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The cause of this disorder is unknown. Preeclampsia likely represents the clinical end point of multiple contributory factors, and it is unlikely that any single cause will be found. The blueprint for the development of preeclampsia is laid down early in pregnancy, and the delivery of the fetus and placenta remains the only effective treatment. Efforts to prevent preeclampsia in women at high risk have been largely unsuccessful. Until the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is well defined, it is unlikely that effective preventive strategies will be developed. Copyright (C) 2000 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.