Recent developments in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) still remains an area in obstetrics of active research and investigation. Despite widespread academic attention, the cause of this disorder still remains unknown. The purpose of this paper is to review the important contributions to the literature during the period of July, 1990 through June, 1991. Elucidation of the pathophysiology of PIH has been enhanced by investigations of altered platelet calcium metabolism, the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system, and other potent vasopressors. Recent reports of clinical management for eclampsia, liver rupture, HELLP syndrome, severe PIH in the second trimester, severe hypertension, and magnesium toxicity are presented.