HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY

Hypertension, which is the most common complication of pregnancy, is a leading cause of both maternal and perinatal morbidity. Advances in r esearch related to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy have facilitate d a better general understanding of the pathophysiologic processes ass ociated with this disease. Strategies of prevention, early diagnosis, and newer treatments have contributed to a more favorable outcome for mothers and their babies. The exact cause of preeclampsia remains elus ive; however, recent investigations suggest that endothelial cell inju ry due to free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation may be the initiato r of the pathophysiologic events of preeclampsia. Future challenges in this area should include efforts to elucidate mechanisms involved in free radical cell-mediated vascular disturbances and antioxidant defen ses.