What are causes leading to preeclampsia?

➢ While exact triggering events initiating these syndromes are unknown, a common feature underlying all cases is insufficient maternal blood flow to the placenta secondary to inadequate remodeling of the spiral arteries of the uteroplacental vascular bed. ➢ Although the exact basis of preeclampsia remains to be further defined, several serious consequences have been associated with this condition: ➢ Placental infarction, stemming from chronic hypoperfusion • Hypertension, resulting from reduced endothelial production of the vasodilators prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 and from increased production of the vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 • Hypercoagulability, due to endothelial dysfunction and release of tissue factor from the placenta • End-organ failure, most notably of the kidney and the liver, which occurs in patients with full-blown eclampsia