[A critical review of hypothetical causes of EPH-gestosis]

The essential EPH-gestosis seems to have multiple aetiological factors and the disease develops already a long time before the appearance of the classical symptoms. The disturbed renal function is the main point among secondary pathological effects as the damaged placenta, the disseminated coagulation, the glomerular endotheliosis, the increased retention of water and sodium with increased arterial responsiveness. It may be that this reduced reversible renal function is of extra-renal origin. As predisposing factors were discussed the reduced uteroplacental circulation with the release of still unknown pressor substances or decreased inactivation of pressor amines, the uterorenal reflex mechanism, the disturbed homeostasis of the body fluids and the vegetativ-hypothalamic crisis etc. But other factors may also be participate on this disease as immunological and hormonal aspects, especially the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system and prostaglandins. To find out the aetiological factors we should examine the disease at the beginning in comparison with normal pregnancy. These factors must explain why the true EPH-gestosis appears mainly during the first pregnancy and frequently in twins and so on.