Treating Hypertension in Pregnancy.

Hypertension is present in about 10 % of all pregnancies. The frequency of chronic hypertension and that of gestational hypertension is increasing. The management of pregnant women with hypertension remains a significant, but controversial, public health problem.

Potential relevance of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor autoantibodies in refractory hypertension.

Background: Agonistic autoantibodies directed at the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1)-AAB) have been described in patients with hypertension. We implied earlier that alpha(1)-AAB might have a mechanistic role and could represent a therapeutic target.

Methodology/principal Findings: To pursue the issue, we performed clinical and basic studies.