الفهرس 
Clinical definition of pre-eclampsiaOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 124 |  |  |
| | | from | 124 | | |
Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is estimated to affect about 0.34-11.5% of pregnancies globally, and approximately 11% of first pregnancies (1). In Egypt, it was reported to affect 4.5% and 4.2% of pregnancies in two studies performed in Ain Shams and Zagazig University respectively (2, 3). It is considered as one of the main causes of maternal, fetal, or neonatal morbidity and mortality (4). Pregnancy-induced hypertension is classified into three categories: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PE), and eclampsia. Gestational hypertension is defined as the new onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is known as a multi-organ disease process of unknown etiology, characterized by the development of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Eclampsia is defined as the development of convulsions in preexisting preeclampsia (5). These conditions can have significant impacts on maternal and foetal health in the immediate and long term. For the mother, this includes a two- to four-fold increased risk of long-term hypertension, a doubling of the risk of cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events, and a 1.5- fold increased risk of stroke (6). For the foetus, this includes antenatal risks of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth (most commonly iatrogenic), oligohydramnios, placental abruption, foetal distress, and foetal death in utero (7). There is also growing evidence that in utero exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can result in significant long-term cardiovascular sequelae in the offspring, including early onset hypertension, and an increased risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke (8). These sequelae have been associated with hypertensive pregnancies independent of other coexisting pregnancy complications.