Diagnosing Pre-eclampsia

Early detection of pre-eclampsia is crucial, but diagnosis can be challenging: clinical presentation can be variable and the disease often progresses over several weeks before a diagnosis is confirmed.1 Improved understanding of pre-eclampsia has led to the development of new placental growth factor (PlGF)-based tests that can help to identify women at high risk of developing the disease, and to ‘rule out’ in the short-term those who are not.2-5

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this module you should:

• Recognise the challenges associated with diagnosing pre-eclampsia.
• Understand the role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
• Appreciate how PlGF-based tests can aid clinical decision making for women with suspected pre-eclampsia.

NEXT STEPS

• Read the clinical review: if you don't have a printed version, click here to download a pdf
• Complete the online assessment
• Receive CPD certificate

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