Serum Androgen Levels as a marker for the severity of preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia is defined as the presence of a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, on 2 occasions at least 4 hours apart in a previously normotensive patient. In addition to the blood pressure criteria, proteinuria of ≥ 0.3 grams in a 24-hour urine collection, a protein (mg/dl)/creatinine (mg/dl) ratio of 0.3 or higher, or a urine dipstick protein of 1+ is required to diagnose preeclampsia. Eclampsia is defined as seizures that cannot be attributable to other causes, in a woman with preeclampsia. Two types are recognized: mild and severe preeclampsia. The severity of preeclampsia is assessed by the frequency and intensity of abnormalities Etiology of pre-eclampsia has not been completely understood but many theories have been proposed in conjunction with its causes. Because of its morbid course, it is necessary to find its risk factors. However, due to lack of enough knowledge about its etiology, different researches have been performed on various materials in order to find its causes; one of these theories concerns the underlying endocrine changes and measurement of different androgens. The mechanisms by which preeclampsia occurs is not certain, and numerous maternal, paternal, and fetal factors have been implicated in its development. The factors currently considered to be the most important include the following: Maternal immunologic intolerance, abnormal placental implantation, genetic, nutritional, environmental factors and cardiovascular and inflammatory changes.