Vascular related pregnancy complications: genetics and remote cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are common vascular related pregnancy syndromes of unknown cause. Both preeclampsia and IUGR are responsible for a significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preeclampsia affects approximately 2.5-3.0% of women. It is diagnosed by de novo hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and potentially progresses to a multisystemic syndrome characterized by increased vasoconstriction, metabolic changes, endothelial dysfunction, activation of coagulation cascade and inflammatory response. Eclampsia is considered an end stage of the syndrome characterized by generalized seizures. In addition to the maternal clinical s