Exploring the Spectrum of Electrolyte Imbalances in Preeclampsia: Mechanisms, Implications, and Clinical Insights

Preeclampsia, a complex and perplexing disorder unique to pregnancy, is widely recognized as primarily originating from placental dysfunction and can only be resolved by the delivery of the fetus in severe cases. Preeclampsia is a prevalent medical issue during pregnancy and is associated with elevated rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The exact cause of preeclampsia remains uncertain, although multiple factors have been implicated in its development based on current knowledge. Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal endothelial dysfunction due to the presence of fetal-derived circulatory substances from the placenta. The condition is associated with various risk factors, including maternal comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, hypertension (HTN), and obesity. Additionally, a family history of preeclampsia, nulliparity, multiple gestations, previous instances of preeclampsia, or intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) are considered risk factors. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, play a critical role in the function of vascular smooth muscles and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension. In this review, we have summarized the literature on electrolytes in preeclampsia by conducting an extensive systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE).