Latest Findings on Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a progressive disease involving multiple systems, afflicts pregnancy specifically. It contributes to severe maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that preeclampsia initiates from a mismatch between the utero-placental supply and demand, which subsequently triggers the release of placental syncytiotrophoblast stress-derived factors and an imbalance of proangiogenic/antiangiogenic factors, eventually causing maternal systemic endothelial lesions and systemic inflammatory response. Currently, treatments available for preeclampsia are very limited in number. Hence, prediction and prevention carry special significance. Herein, we reviewed the current understanding of preeclampsia, especially findings on the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia published within the past 5 years. We discussed the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening model based on placental growth factor (PlGF) and the effects of aspirin, calcium, exercise, and termination of pregnancy in preventing preeclampsia. The efficacy and safety of other new preventive measures still need further validation.