The Treatment of Preeclampsia in Poor and Rich Countries

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, which is one of the most common causes of maternal death. It often affects younger pregnant women under 20 years of age and pregnant women over 35 years of age. Preeclampsia occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and often leads to premature delivery. Through a blood test, the sFlt-1/PIGF quotient can be determined, the result of which allows the occurrence of preeclampsia in the further course of pregnancy to be determined. Pregnant women at increased risk can be recommended a prophylactic dose of 100 mg of ASA. Both endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This chapter discusses the influence of one-sided and insufficient nutrition and the treatment of preeclampsia under conditions of poverty. The current guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome are briefly and clearly presented.