PP034. Renal histology in preeclampsia: A special role for the podocyte.

Introduction: In preeclampsia (PE), the kidney is one of the major target organs. Growing evidence suggests PE increases the risk of subsequent microalbuminuria and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Endotheliosis and podocyte changes due to anti-angiogenic factors seem to be salient features of PE.

OP005. Preeclampsia is associated with the presence of transcriptionally active placental fragments in the maternal lung.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is associated with increased levels of the circulating anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 as well as with an excessive shedding of placenta-derived multinucleated syncytial aggregates into the maternal circulation. However, it remains unclear whether these aggregates are transcriptionally active in the maternal organs and can therefore contribute to the systemic manifestations of preeclampsia.

Objectives: We hypothesized that in preeclampsia, syncytial knots are the primary placental site of sFlt-1 production and that increased numbers of sFlt-1-containing syncytial aggregates are retained in the maternal lungs.