Preeclampsia: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, Impact and Prevention: A Narrative Review

Musliha  Mustary; . Ansariadi; Aminuddin  Syam; Shanti  Riskiyani; Kadek Ayu  Erika; Apik Indarty  Moedjiono; Mukhlis  Lubis

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i11.16941

Musliha Mustary Doctoral Program, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University & STIKES Salewangang Maros, Maros Regency, Indonesia
. Ansariadi Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Aminuddin Syam Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Shanti Riskiyani Department of Health Promotion and Behavior Science, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Kadek Ayu Erika Department of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Apik Indarty Moedjiono Department of Biostatistics, Demography, and Family Planning, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Mukhlis Lubis Department of Sharia Economic Law, State Islamic College of Mandailing Natal, Mandailing Natal Regency, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i11.16941

Keywords: Preeclampsia; Etiology; Risk factor; Impact; Prevention

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) caused 30%-40% of maternal and newborn deaths worldwide. Despite unclear exact cause, strategies exist to mitigate less severe PE effects. This review explores PE etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, impact, and prevention.

Methods: Searching Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for “preeclampsia and pregnancy” and “prevention” yielded 2012–2022 articles.

Results: Preeclampsia features abnormal placental changes, altered immunity response, trophoblast apoptosis, and reduced uterine perfusion. Risk factors include hypertension history, nulliparity, age over 40, BMI over 35 kg/m², family history, amniotic pregnancy, and long pregnancy interval. This condition risks cardiovascular and neonatal morbidity, straining health resources. Prevention involves aspirin, vitamin D, exercise, folic acid, diet, early screening, and antenatal care.

Conclusion: Findings emphasize enhancing health literacy and preeclampsia education in prenatal care to mitigate PE risk among women. Further research, novel therapies, and assessing prevention strategies with accessible educational materials and multidisciplinary approaches are warranted to enhance pregnant women's health literacy and decrease PE risk.