Preeclampsia is a hypertensive, multisystem disorder of pregnancy whose etiology remains unknown. Although management is evidence-based, preventative measures/screening tools are lacking, treatment remains symptomatic, and delivery remains the only cure. Past hypotheses/scientific contributions have influenced current understanding of preeclampsia pathophysiology and guided management strategies and classification criteria. To provide insight into how past hypotheses/scientific contributions have shaped current practice trends, this article provides a historical overview of preeclampsia-eclampsia.
© 2010 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.