Cardiopulmonary complications of pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia affects 3 to 8% of all pregnancies. In the USA, pre-eclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, comprising 17% of maternal deaths in advanced gestations in 1999. The pathophysiologic changes associated with pre-eclampsia can have a profound impact on the uteroplacental unit and fetal and neonatal outcome.