Immunomodulation and Preeclampsia

Publication date: Available online 24 June 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Marianna Rambaldi, Eran Weiner, Federico Mecacci, Jacob Bar, Felice PetragliaAbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is an enigmatic syndrome with still unknown etiology and multifactorial pathogenesis. Our understanding of the role of the immune system in PE development has undergone a transformation over the years. From a model based on the alterations in cell-mediated immunity, research moved on to a vision centered on the alteration of the humoral immunity and on the systemic involvement of the inflammatory system. The first hypothesis was classically derived from the evidence that an adequate maternal immunological response is necessary in pregnancy to allow the survival of the fetus. An abnormal response of the maternal immune system against the placenta may be the first pathogenetic step of PE, then followed by a systemic inflammatory reaction. Currently available treatments for PE are mainly preventative with aspirin. Treatment aims to modulate inflammation and the immune system before inflammation and the immune changes become established.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research