Editorial: Current management of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders occur in 6-8% of all pregnancies with the incidence varying with geographic location. Studies conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital have noted a prevalence of 5.4% of hypertensive disease and 0.56% for eclampsia(1). Pregnant mothers with hypertension are predisposed towards the development of potentially lethal complications, notably abruptio placentae, disseminated vascular coagulation, cerebral haemorrhage, hepatic failure and acute renal failure. The baby may have intra-uterine growth retardation, suffer the consequences of being born too early, or die in utero.Causes of hypertensive disease especially pre-eclampsia remain unknown(2-4). (East African Medical Journal: 2002 79(4): 169-171