Preface

Written by international authors and researchers, this book provides a comprehensive overview of preeclampsia and attempts to define biophysical and biochemical markers of the condition.

The first chapter in Section 1 provides an overview of preeclampsia, describing the various subtypes and their clinical features. Since the etiology and pathogenesis isof preeclampsia are segregated and multifactorial, there can beis no single clinical, clinical, biophysical, or biochemical marker that can predict all types of preeclampsia. The second chapter in this section discusses the various clinical, biochemical, and biophysical markers of the subtypes of preeclampsia.

In Section 2, chapters examine preeclampsia in different populations. These subpopulations not only have different clinical risk factors but they also have different symptomatology and biochemical and echocardiography features. Chapters in this section address placental hypoxia, autophagy, impaired lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, microvasculopathies like diabetes, and subsequent epigenetic and immunogenic modifications.

The chapter on biochemical alterations describes the mediators released by the fetoplacental-maternal unit. The chapter on placental adaptation gives a clear insight into the functioning of the placenta. How the placenta copes with diminished blood supply is different from any other tissue of the human body. The chapter on autophagy in the placenta is a new concept of deranged apoptosis and genetic regulations of delayed and reduced apoptotic shedding. Altered zeta potential of red blood cells and endothelial cell dysfunction, though they proceed the clinical manifestation, are a late result of mediators released from placental adaptations to oxidative stress, immunologically damage, hypoxia, and lipid peroxidation.

Gestational diabetes raises the risk of preeclampsia. The epigenetics of preeclampsia are modified due to hyperglycemia in pregnancy. The chapter on diabetes and preeclampsia unravels the mystery of this strong association. The chapter on adolescent pregnancy and preeclampsia emphasizes the immunogenic cause of preeclampsia.

An individualized rational approach to treating preeclampsia in different populations is required. This book is an attempt to sub classify preeclampsia and use these classifications to predict treatment outcomes. Studies conducted in the past have provided significant new insights and these new concepts would not have been possible without the efforts of numerous researchers who continue working on preeclampsia.

> **Nidhi Sharma** Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

**1**

Section 1

Etiopathogenesis and Risk

Assessment

Section 1
