Pre-eclampsia: The Role of Hemostasis in Its Pathophysiology and Potential Future Therapeutic Options

Pre-eclampsia affects 2-8 % of pregnancies worldwide. It is a syndrome of new onset hypertension and proteinuria in the second half of pregnancy, typically characterized by endothelial dysfunction and systemic activation of an infl ammatory response. Both maternal and fetal complications of pre- eclampsia are potentially fatal or detrimental to long-term health. This chapter considers the role of hemostasis in the pathophysiology of pre- eclampsia and potential future therapeutic options.