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Munter BT, Boyd AR, Tchani R, Gray JN, Ramsey PS. Hepatic infarction in pregnancy: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101377. [PMID: 38621440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic infarction is a rare complication of pregnancy most often associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome. The objective of this review is to identify risk factors, present signs and symptoms, identify methods of diagnosis, and identify best management practices on the basis of published case reviews. DATA SOURCES PubMed and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases were searched for citations regarding hepatic infarction in pregnancy or the postpartum period from database inception until the study date of December 18, 2023. Key words included "liver infarction" or "hepatic infarction" and "pregnancy" or "obstetrics." STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Case reviews or case series published in the English language were included. Our study was registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42023488176) and was conducted in accordance with the published Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. METHODS Included papers were evaluated for bias using a previously published tool. RESULTS A total of 38 citations documenting 50 pregnancies published between 1979 and 2023 were included. Of these, 34% had a history of hypertensive disease, 26% had antiphospholipid syndrome, and 22% had a history of thrombus. Of those without a preexisting diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, 24% tested positive during hospitalization. Most patients presented with epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (78%), and 32% and 16% had severe blood pressure or mild blood pressure, respectively. Sixty-four percent of patients presented with transaminitis. Forty-six percent of patients delivered preterm, and 32% of pregnancies ended in intrauterine fetal demise, abortion, or early termination of pregnancy for maternal benefit. Computed tomography scans were used to confirm diagnosis of hepatic infarction in 58% of cases, magnetic resonance imaging in 14%, and ultrasound in 6%. In cases that described management, treatment was always multimodal, including antihypertensives (18%), therapeutic anticoagulation (45%), blood product transfusion (36%), plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (20%), and steroids (39%). Transfer to the intensive care unit was required in 20% of cases. CONCLUSION Hepatic infarction should be considered in all cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome, but specifically in patients with a history of antiphospholipid syndrome who present with epigastric or right upper quadrant pain. The diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a computed tomography scan alone, and management should be prompt with supportive care, therapeutic anticoagulation, and steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce T Munter
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Drs Munter and Boyd, Ms Tchani and Dr Ramsey).
| | - Angela R Boyd
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Drs Munter and Boyd, Ms Tchani and Dr Ramsey)
| | - Raphaela Tchani
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Drs Munter and Boyd, Ms Tchani and Dr Ramsey)
| | - Jordan N Gray
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Waco, TX (Dr Gray)
| | - Patrick S Ramsey
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Drs Munter and Boyd, Ms Tchani and Dr Ramsey)
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Porrello G, Cannella R, Bernuau J, Agman A, Brancatelli G, Dioguardi Burgio M, Vilgrain V. Liver imaging and pregnancy: what to expect when your patient is expecting. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:66. [PMID: 38411871 PMCID: PMC10899155 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01622-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases in pregnancy can be specific to gestation or only coincidental. In the latter case, the diagnosis can be difficult. Rapid diagnosis of maternal-fetal emergencies and situations requiring specialized interventions are crucial to preserve the maternal liver and guarantee materno-fetal survival. While detailed questioning of the patient and a clinical examination are highly important, imaging is often essential to reach a diagnosis of these liver diseases and lesions. Three groups of liver diseases may be observed during pregnancy: (1) diseases related to pregnancy: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy; (2) liver diseases that are more frequent during or exacerbated by pregnancy: acute herpes simplex hepatitis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia, hepatocellular adenoma, portal vein thrombosis, and cholelithiasis; (3) coincidental conditions, including acute hepatitis, incidental focal liver lesions, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver abscesses and parasitosis, and liver transplantation. Specific knowledge of the main imaging findings is required to reach an early diagnosis, for adequate follow-up, and to avoid adverse consequences in both the mother and the fetus.Critical relevance statement Pregnancy-related liver diseases are the most important cause of liver dysfunction in pregnant patients and, in pregnancy, even common liver conditions can have an unexpected turn. Fear of radiations should never delay necessary imaging studies in pregnancy.Key points• Pregnancy-related liver diseases are the most frequent cause of liver dysfunction during gestation.• Fear of radiation should never delay necessary imaging studies.• Liver imaging is important to assess liver emergencies and for the diagnosis and follow-up of any other liver diseases.• Common liver conditions and lesions may take an unexpected turn during pregnancy.• Pregnancy-specific diseases such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome must be rapidly identified. However, imaging should never delay delivery when it is considered to be urgent for maternal-fetal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Porrello
- Service de Radiologie, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Paris, Clichy, France.
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Jacques Bernuau
- AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Antoine Agman
- Service de Gynécologie obstétrique maternité, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Giuseppe Brancatelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Dioguardi Burgio
- Service de Radiologie, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Paris, Clichy, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, F-75018, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Vilgrain
- Service de Radiologie, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Paris, Clichy, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, F-75018, Paris, France
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Liu J, Liu L, Liao G, Yao L. Conservative Treatment of Huge Hepatic Subcapsular Hematoma Complicated with Hepatic Infarction after Cesarean Section Caused by HELLP Syndrome - a Case Report and Literature Review. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2023. [PMID: 36849111 DOI: 10.1055/a-1967-2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic subcapsular hematoma and hepatic infarction in labor are mostly secondary to HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia. There are few reported cases with a complicated diagnosis and treatment and high mortality. Here, we present a case of a huge hepatic subcapsular hematoma complicated with hepatic infarction after cesarean section that was secondary to HELLP syndrome and the patient was treated conservatively. Further, we have discussed the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic subcapsular hematoma and hepatic infarction caused by HELLP syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Pingxiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Pingxiang, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University,Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guangyuan Liao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Yao
- Department of Obstetrics, Pingxiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Pingxiang, China
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Janoudi G, Uzun (Rada) M, Boyd ST, Fell DB, Ray JG, Foster AM, Giffen R, Clifford TJ, Walker MC. Do Case Reports and Case Series Generate Clinical Discoveries About Preeclampsia? A Systematic Review. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:411-425. [PMID: 36974131 PMCID: PMC10039711 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s397680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The management of preeclampsia has not changed much in more than two decades, and its aetiology is still not fully understood. Case reports and case series have traditionally been used to communicate new knowledge about existing conditions. Whether this is true for preeclampsia is not known. Objective To determine whether recent case reports or case series have generated new knowledge and clinical discoveries about preeclampsia. Methods A detailed search strategy was developed in consultation with a medical librarian. Two bibliographic databases were searched through Ovid: Embase and MEDLINE. We selected case reports or case series published between 2015 and 2020, comprising pregnant persons diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Two reviewers independently screened all publications. One reviewer extracted data from included studies, while another conducted a quality check of extracted data. We developed a codebook to guide our data extraction and outcomes assessment. The quality of each report was determined based on Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for case reports and case series. Results We included 104 case reports and three case series, together comprising 118 pregnancies. A severe presentation or complication of preeclampsia was reported in 81% of pregnancies, and 84% had a positive maternal outcome, free of death or persistent complications. Only 8% of the case reports were deemed to be of high quality, and 53.8% of moderate quality; none of the case series were of high quality. A total of 26 of the 107 publications (24.3%) included a novel clinical discovery as a central theme. Conclusion Over two-thirds of recent case reports and case series about preeclampsia do not appear to present new knowledge or discoveries about preeclampsia, and most are of low quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghayath Janoudi
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie T Boyd
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Deshayne B Fell
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Joel G Ray
- Departments of Medicine, Health Policy Management and Evaluation, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angel M Foster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tammy J Clifford
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Institute of Health Research, Government of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark C Walker
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- International and Global Health Office, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- BORN Ontario, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Mark C Walker, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Box 241, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada, Tel +1 613-798-5555 x76655, Email
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Morrison MA, Chung Y, Heneghan MA. Managing hepatic complications of pregnancy: practical strategies for clinicians. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:e000624. [PMID: 35292523 PMCID: PMC8928321 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disorders specific to pregnancy are rare but can have potentially serious consequences for mother and fetus. Pregnancy-related liver disorders are the most common cause of liver disease in otherwise healthy pregnant women and pose a challenge to physicians because of the need to take into account both maternal and fetal health. A good knowledge of these disorders is necessary as prompt diagnosis and appropriate management results in improved maternal and fetal outcomes. This review will focus on pregnancy-specific disorders and will aim to serve as a guide for physicians in their diagnosis, management and subsequent monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yooyun Chung
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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McCormick PA, Higgins M, McCormick CA, Nolan N, Docherty JR. Hepatic infarction, hematoma, and rupture in HELLP syndrome: support for a vasospastic hypothesis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7942-7947. [PMID: 34130599 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1939299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: HELLP syndrome is a relatively uncommon pregnancy-related condition characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver function tests, and low platelets. It can be accompanied by life-threatening hepatic complications including hepatic infarction, hematoma formation, and hepatic rupture. HELLP syndrome occurs in approximately 0.2% of pregnancies. Major hepatic complications occur in less than 1% of HELLP patients suggesting an incidence of 1/50,000. The pathogenesis is incompletely understood and in particular, it is difficult to understand a disorder with both major thrombotic and bleeding manifestations.Methods: Literature review.Results: On the basis of reports in the published literature, and our own clinical experience, we suggest that vasospasm is one of the principal drivers with hepatic ischemia, infarction, and hemorrhage as secondary events. It is known that vasoactive substances are released by the failing placenta. We suggest these cause severe vasospasm, most likely affecting the small post-sinusoidal hepatic venules. This leads to patchy or confluent hepatic ischemia and/or necrosis with a resultant increase in circulating liver enzymes. Reperfusion is associated with a fall in platelet count and microvascular hemorrhage if the microvasculature is infarcted. Blood tracks to the subcapsular space causing hematoma formation. If the hematoma ruptures the patient presents with severe abdominal pain, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and shock.Conclusions: We suggest that hepatic and other complications associated with HELLP syndrome including placental abruption, acute renal failure, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may also be due to regional vasospasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A McCormick
- Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Higgins
- University College Dublin Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C A McCormick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Nolan
- Histopathology Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J R Docherty
- Physiology Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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El Allani L, Benlamkaddem S, Berdai MA, Harandou M. A case of massive hepatic infarction in severe preeclampsia as part of the HELLP syndrome. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 36:78. [PMID: 32774637 PMCID: PMC7386275 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.78.23302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic infarction is a rare and fatal complication associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. It can develop into fulminant liver failure and lead to death in 16% of cases. A 25-year-old woman, with unremarkable prenatal history, was sent to gynecological emergency unit for management of severe preeclampsia at 30 weeks and 4 days of pregnancy. Initial laboratory studies revealed aspartate aminotransferase at 290 U/L, alanine aminotransferase at 193 U/L and a normal value of hemoglobin, platelets and the prothrombin time. Behind the persistence of high blood pressure despite dual therapy, an emergent cesarean section was performed. However, two days after surgery, the patient accused an epigastric pain and was subsequently noted to have developed HELLP syndrome: thrombocytopenia (77000 /ul), anemia (hemoglobin 9.1 g/dL) and worsened liver injury (aspartate aminotransferase 2809 U/L; alanine aminotransferase 2502 U/L). A thoraco-abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) was performed, which revealed massive hepatic infarction more marked on the right lobe, by showing the existence of diffuse hypodense plaques, poorly limited, not enhanced after injection, interesting all hepatic segments. The vascular permeability of the portal and subhepatic was preserved. During the surveillance, the laboratory tests worsened (hemoglobin = 4,6 g/dl; platelets count = 20000 /ul; WBC = 26000 /ul; CRP = 340 mg/l; albumin = 16 g/l, prothrombin time (PT) = 50%). The patient received antibiotics, she was transfused by red blood cells and platelets concentrates, she also received albumin with the pleural effusion drainage. The damaged hepatic areas stayed stable in control CT and the patient gradually improved here biological test, to become normal at 11 days after delivery. Hepatic infarction is an extraordinarily rare complication of preeclampsia. The diagnosis should be suspected by noting elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia and typical images of hepatic infarction on abdominal CT. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management is necessary to prevent hepatic failure and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda El Allani
- Maternal and Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hassan II Academic Hospital, Fez, Morocco
| | - Said Benlamkaddem
- Maternal and Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hassan II Academic Hospital, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Adnane Berdai
- Maternal and Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hassan II Academic Hospital, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Harandou
- Maternal and Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hassan II Academic Hospital, Fez, Morocco
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Brøsen J, Stærk D, Feldthusen AD, Rasmussen A, Damholt MB. Rapidly progressing HELLP syndrome and massive liver destruction in a 22-year-old female pregnant with monochorionic diamniotic gemelli. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/1/e229458. [PMID: 31996384 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-229458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemolysis Elevated Liver parameters and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome can present with abdominal pain as the only symptom. It can be rapid with failure of multiple organs and is a cause of maternal death. A 22-year-old female pregnant with twins contacted her local hospital due to abdominal pain. Within 20 hours of the debut of the abdominal pain, a caesarean section was performed, the patient was re-operated due to the suspicion of abdominal bleeding. Bescause she was hypotensive and blood tests showed signs of liver destruction and acidosis, she was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). During an admission of 40 days, the patient received 5 plasmapheresis treatments and 10 courses of haemodialysis. CT scans showed massive liver haematomas intraparenchymal and subcapsular. The CT scan images are very interesting and included in the case report.This case presents a good prognosis after a rapid progression of HELLP in spite of a dramatic clinical presentation. This topic is of great interest to a wide spectre of clinicians, as an early multidisciplinary approach is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorte Stærk
- Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Allan Rasmussen
- Gastrointestinal surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Non-obstetric complications in preeclampsia. MENOPAUSE REVIEW 2019; 18:99-109. [PMID: 31485207 PMCID: PMC6719635 DOI: 10.5114/pm.2019.85785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy that remains a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. It is still an underestimated risk factor for future cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and kidney disease, developing often in the perimenopausal period of a woman's life. It remains unclear whether preeclampsia is an individual risk factor for future cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal events or an early marker of women with high-risk profiles for these diseases. Risk factors for cardiovascular disorders and preeclampsia are very similar and include the following: obesity, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory and hypercoagulable state, and endothelial dysfunction. Thus, the pregnancy can only be a trigger for cardiovascular alterations that manifest in development of preeclampsia. On the other hand, there is strong evidence that changes in cardiovascular, endothelial, and metabolic systems occurring in the course of preeclampsia may not fully recover after delivery and can be a cause of future disease, especially in the presence of other metabolic risk factors regarding, for example, perimenopause. In this review the authors present current knowledge about short- and long-term maternal consequences of preeclampsia, such as: cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular incidents (posterior reversible encephalopathy and stroke), kidney injury (including the risk of end-stage renal disease), liver failure, and coagulopathy (thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation).
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