Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal
morbidity and mortality [1, 2]. It accounts for about one-third
of maternal deaths, ranking second amongst causes of pregnancy
associated deaths in industrialized countries [3, 4]. A
3- to 25-fold increased risk of abruptio placentae, thrombocytopenia,
disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary
edema, and aspiration pneumonia [5] is associated with PE.
Furthermore, women with a history of PE continue to be at
increased risk for future cardiovascular events [6, 7]. Since
delivery is the only known cure, PE is a leading cause of
indicated preterm delivery [8]. PE accounts for 25% of very
low birth weight infants [9], and as many as 60% of these
infants suffer from learning disabilities and are associated
with a low IQ[10]. PE may also increase the risk of cardiovascular
disease in the offspring through “fetal origins of adult
diseases