Serum markers in pre-eclampsia.

Preeclampsia occurs approximately in 10% of pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The condition is usually diagnosed in late pregnancy by the presence of hypertension with proteinuria and/ or edema. Prevention of any disease process requires knowledge of its etiology and pathogenesis, as well as the availability of methods for prediction of those at high risk for this disorder. Numerous clinical, biophysical, and biochemical tests have been proposed for prediction or early detection of preeclampsia. This review will explore the current tests available in the evaluation of hypertensive complications of pregnancy.