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1- Department of Pathology, Clinical Sciences, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, U.S.A. Research Trainee, Ejyde International Education and Research Consultancy, MD, USA , okikis@yahoo.com
2- Research Trainee, Ejyde International Education and Research Consultancy, MD, USA
3- Department of Pathology, Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lagos, Nigeria
4- Director, Alluring Healthcare Solutions L.L.C., MD, USA
2- Research Trainee, Ejyde International Education and Research Consultancy, MD, USA
3- Department of Pathology, Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lagos, Nigeria
4- Director, Alluring Healthcare Solutions L.L.C., MD, USA
Abstract: (512 Views)
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a spectrum of multi-systemic dysfunction in pregnancy, usually seen in the third trimester in approximately 6–8% of pregnancies in the United States, according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP). The World Health Organization reported that this multisystem disorder accounts for 16% of maternal deaths in developed countries and 1.8%-16.7% in most developing countries.
The spectrum can progress from Preeclampsia to Eclampsia with short- and long-term complications that may impact significantly on the quality of life of both the fetus and the mother. Though the pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear, evidence supporting the roles of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors is rapidly evolving. Preeclampsia, an initial spectrum of the disorder, begins with abnormal placentation with failure of adaption, inflammatory changes, permanent vascular and metabolic damages, and increasing risk of cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, neurological, hematological, and socioeconomic complications. Regardless of the postulation, oxidative stress, placenta ischemia hypoxia with release of toxic substances, and endothelial dysfunction are essentially pivotal to multiple organ damage. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends starting treatment for Preeclampsia when the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is above 105–110 mm Hg. This article describes the proposed pathophysiological mechanism associated with the spectrum of maternal complications in Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Keywords: Eclampsia, Endothelial dysfunction, Placenta ischemia, Preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, Toxemia of Pregnancy.
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