[Preeclampsia: current aspects of physiopathology, clinic and treatment]

Preeclampsia complicating 3-5 % of all pregnancies in the world. Its origin is abnormal placentation around 12th week pregnancy. It associates hypertension and proteinuria appeared after 20th week pregnancy. Many risk factors with various mechanism of action have been identified (primigravida, younger age, twin pregnancy...). The main consequence of placental ischemia is generalized endothelial dysfunction responsible for clinical symptoms and complications (eclampsia, placental abruption, HELLP syndrome). It's an important cause of maternal death and is associated with increased risk of neonatal mortality, particularly in developing country. There is no consensus with regard to management particularly utilisation of drugs and break indication of pregnancy. Low dose aspirin is the only efficient preventive strategy in high-risk subjects. The therapeutic aspects are discussed as many in the benefit and the modalities of the antihypertensive treatment, as the indications of pregnancy interuption. Prevention is an up coming way but for the moment, only acetylsalicylic acid has proven its efficacity among the high risk patients.