[Recent data on the physiopathology of preeclampsia and recommendations for treatment].

Maternal hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation defines preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia is defined by severe hypertension or massive proteinuria, with or without symptoms or altered laboratory tests. With an incidence of 4-7%, preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Admission into a hospital is crucial to monitor both mother and fetus. The only treatment is delivery. Management of blood pressure and prevention of eclampsia with magnesium sulfate is indicated in severe preeclampsia. Despite numerous studies attempting to elucidate the exact etiopathogenesis of this complex multifactorial disease, prediction or prevention of preeclampsia is not available. Preeclampsia has been named the "disease of theories" and remains to date a challenging enigma for the scientific community.