Management of pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is part of a spectrum of conditions known as the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (box 1). 1 A multisystem disorder usually associated with raised blood pressure and proteinuria, pre-eclampsia is relatively common, affecting 2-8% of pregnancies. Although outcome is often good, pre-eclampsia can be devastating and life threatening for both mother and baby (box 2), particularly in developing countries. 2 It may also lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in later life.