The ABCs of post-preeclampsia outpatient nephrology care: the Le Mans strategy

Preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 3 to 5% of all pregnancies. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), at any stage, reportedly affects 3% of women in childbearing age but most of the time is underdiagnosed, especially in asymptomatic early stages. The link between preeclampsia/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and CKD is bidirectional and women experiencing a preeclampsia/hypertensive disorder of pregnancy episode are at higher risk for developing CKD later in life, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In turn, CKD is a risk factor for preeclampsia/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Thus, it is important to follow up patients after an episode of preeclampsia/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in order to make a timely diagnosis of CKD or reduce the risk of another episode of preeclampsia/hypertensive disorder of pregnancy during a subsequent pregnancy. In Le Mans, we set up a dedicated outpatient clinic for women who experienced an episode of preeclampsia/hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In this point of view paper, we present how we manage post-preeclampsia, in the hope that sharing this experience can promote the creation of dedicated outpatient clinics in other settings that will contribute to women’s health.