[Serious forms of arterial pregnancy-related hypertension]

Pregnancy related hypertension is the primary cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Its incidence is of the order of 10%. Serious forms, which account for 10% of all cases of pre-eclamptic toxemia, remain a potential cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Retroplacental hematoma, neurological problems dominated by eclampsia, coagulation disorders, Hellp syndrome, and hepatic, pulmonary, cardiac and renal problems are the essential complications of this pathology. They are described separately here, but are often associated. These potential complications require the careful evaluation of the severity of materno-fetal status. The management of these patients requires cooperation between the anesthetist/intensive care specialist, obstetrician and pediatrician. Such teamwork results in appropriate management for each individual patient. The various types of treatment are reviewed. Maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity could nevertheless be reduced by the early and careful management of high-risk patients, in particular by the prescription of low doses of aspirin and by careful clinical, ultrasound and velocimetric monitoring.