Hypertension in pregnancy: the most recent findings in pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy

Hypertension in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, both in developing and developed countries. That is because it is the most common pathological condition during pregnancy and its development is associated with high risk of severe complications: mother could be affected by placental abruption, cerebrovascular events, organ dysfunction and could develop disseminated intravascular coagulation, instead the foetus could be affected by intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth and intrauterine death. Aware that preeclampsia still remains an enigma for different aspects, this review aims to provide a comprehensive update of all the current literature regarding this disease. In particular, the main purpose of this review is to emphasize the most recent findings about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and submit a revision of the most recent guidelines in relation to drug therapy, with particular attention to the evaluation of risks and benefits associated with the use of various classes of the currently available drugs.