Why much of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia-eclampsia must be of an autoimmune nature

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Jan;196(1):5.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.09.016.

Abstract

Preeclampsia-eclampsia (PE-E) is a poorly understood condition of human pregnancy, which can affect multiple organs and is a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. The etiology and pathophysiology remain enigmas, however, which hampers progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. PE-E is characterized by many features typically seen in autoimmune diseases, or in association with autoimmune reactions. Although this does not mean that PE-E should be considered an autoimmune condition, it does suggest that abnormal autoimmune processes play an important part in the clinical presentation of PE-E. In that regard, PE-E mimics autoimmune responses also observed in situations of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Indeed, PE-E shares many other clinical and laboratory characteristics with allograft rejection and GVHD. Recognizing PE-E as a clinical condition that is characterized by autoimmune abnormalities may facilitate earlier and more specific diagnosis, along with preventive and more specific therapies for women at risk.

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmunity
  • Eclampsia / immunology*
  • Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pre-Eclampsia / immunology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy