PREECLAMPSIA, A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN 2011

Preeclampsia is one of the most commonly encountered hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). It is mostly feared because of its serious maternal and fetal mortalities and morbidities. Ten percent of women have high blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, and preeclampsia complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies. Overall, 10% to 15% of direct maternal deaths are associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Worldwide, HDP accounts for more than 50,000 maternal deaths per year according to the world health organization (WHO). In fact, perinatal mortality is high following preeclampsia, and even higher following eclampsia.