Fig. 1.

Risk factors, mechanisms, and manifestations of preeclampsia-related disorders. Predisposing risk factors cause placental maladaptations, placental ischemia, and the release of bioactive factors. Circulating bioactive factors cause generalized endotheliosis in systemic vessels leading to increased vascular resistance and hypertension, renal vessels leading to increased plasma volume and proteinuria, cerebral vessels leading to cerebral edema and neurological manifestations, and hepatic vessels leading to hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Placental maladaptations and bioactive factors also reduce uteroplacental blood flow and lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases; RAS, renin-angiotensin system.