Preeclampsia: Updates in Diagnosis and Management—ICU Perspective

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder that can arise in pregnancy and result in grave consequences if not managed appropriately. Although advances in medicine have vastly helped mitigate the effects of the complications that can potentially result from the development of preeclampsia, it can still be challenging to recognize them in a timely manner and effectively manage the complications that may arise. Fetal wellbeing also must be considered in addition to maternal condition as part of management of preeclampsia and its potential sequelae. Preeclampsia can be complicated by HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome; stroke; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES); peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM); maternal morbidity; acute kidney injury (AKI); pulmonary edema; reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) which requires intensive care therapy. This chapter details the management of preeclampsia as well as its potential complications from an intensive care perspective.