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Pathophysiology and medical management of systemic hypertension in preeclampsia

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Abstract

Hypertension that complicates preeclampsia in pregnancy is a disorder that requires special consideration in both prevention and pharmacologic treatment. In recent years, few advances have been made regarding the pathophysiology and prevention of preeclampsia; however, there have been some promising results from studies on possible modes of screening women for preeclampsia before clinical signs and symptoms are apparent. The recommendations for first-line drug therapy for the hypertensive complications of preeclampsia have changed little, primarily because first-line medications have had the advantage of extensive research experience. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of various second-line drugs for the hypertensive complications of preeclampsia; whether these therapies can eventually replace the standard recommended first-line medications will require more extensive long-term investigation.

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  1. Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, 10595, Valhalla, NY, USA

    William H. Frishman MD

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  2. Megan Veresh BS
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  3. Stacy J. Schlocker MD
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  4. Nergesh Tejani MD
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Frishman, W.H., Veresh, M., Schlocker, S.J. et al. Pathophysiology and medical management of systemic hypertension in preeclampsia. Current Science Inc 8, 502–511 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-006-0030-y

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