Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy specific disorder, is typically defined as new-onset hypertension presenting after the 20th week of gestation with proteinuria. The overall prevalence in the United States is 3% to 8% with higher incidence in specific ethnic subpopulations, notably blacks. Preeclampsia is a major source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, women who endure preeclampsia are at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Studies published in Hypertension and other journals during the last few years have provided new insights not only into potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia but also into the identification of potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia. Although numerous factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the main focus of this Recent Advances article is to review recent studies that link placental ischemia, endothelial and vascular dysfunction, and hypertension in preeclampsia.