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Preeclampsia is a disorder characterized
mainly by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause
of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing
countries. For example, in Canada, preeclampsia accounts for one-third of maternal
deaths during pregnancy and this trend has not changed since the 1970s. Its etiology
and pathogenesis are unclear. No effective treatment is available, except early delivery
(This results in a significant increased number of preterm deliveries in mothers with
preeclampsia). No effective prevention is available. |