Pre-eclampsia: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, clinical features, prevention and management

Background: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation. It remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: To provide a concise overview of the pathophysiology, clinical features, prevention, and current management strategies for preeclampsia. Methods: A narrative review of recent literature on preeclampsia was conducted, focusing on diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and therapeutic approaches. Results: Abnormal placentation, systemic endothelial dysfunction, and exaggerated inflammatory responses contribute to preeclampsia’s pathogenesis. Clinically, it manifests with hypertension, proteinuria, and potentially severe complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and multi-organ involvement. Management centers on blood pressure control, seizure prophylaxis, and timely delivery, balancing maternal and fetal risks. Aspirin prophylaxis in high-risk women has shown efficacy in reducing incidence. Conclusion: Early identification and individualized management of preeclampsia are critical to improving outcomes. Ongoing research is exploring predictive biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets to prevent or mitigate this complex disorder.