In the brain, cerebral vasospasm, edema, ischemia, and ionic shifts between intracellular and extracellular compartments are believed to incite eclamptic seizures. Preeclamptics with this syndrome develop hepatocellular necrosis and liver dysfunction. Preeclampsia is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality, a result of iatrogenic prematurity. African American women have up to twice the relative risk of whites of developing preeclampsia. Younger women have as much as 3 times the relative risk of developing preeclampsia.
Patients note decreased urine output and abdominal pain.
Diffuse edema has a high specificity for preeclampsia. Neurologic findings such as papilledema and hyperreflexia must be addressed quickly, as they can herald the onset of eclampsia. Petechiae and bruising could suggest coagulopathy. Right upper quadrant or mid epigastric tenderness develops as a result of hepatocellular necrosis. Current research utilizes the known risk factors to help shape theory about the exact etiology of preeclampsia.