Explaining and Predicting Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia, either alone or superimposed on another disorder, is a major cause of maternal and fetal death and the leading cause of premature delivery worldwide.¹ Underappreciated is the strain that preeclampsia places on the health care resources of all nations. This disease increases the need for neonatal intensive care; in addition, early birth may lead to health problems later in life. Considerable evidence suggests that premature delivery increases the incidence of remote cardiovascular and metabolic health problems, which themselves create enormous economic health burdens.^2,3 Thus, the ability to predict or prevent preeclampsia or the development of therapy that safely . . .