[Physiopathology of preeclampsia]

Preeclampsia is a disease which appears only during pregnancy. It is highly widespread, and in the underdeveloped countries is the leading cause of maternal mortality. Nowadays it is considered a disease originated in the activation of the vascular endothelium triggered by placental ischemia. The latter is produced by a defect in the trophoblastic invasion of the spiral arteries of the uterus. Genetic, immunologic and biochemical causes have been postulated in the attempt to explain this defect in the trophoblastic implant, but whatever the cause, the endothelial activation produces several chemical mediators affecting the function of all organs, and then generating preeclampsia related syndromes. The prevention of this disease occupies a special place in research and there are numerous trials with aspirin and calcium being developed at the moment.