Preeclampsia is a common cause of maternal and fetal morbidity. Endothelial dysfunction(ED) is the most important pathophysiologic mechanism for preeclampsia. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is an important underlying mechanismin cardiovascular complications such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease with ED. Physiological changes during pregnancy predisposewomen to increased prevalence of SDB during the third trimester of pregnancy. SDB is seen more often in preeclampsia and ED is seen in preeclampsia and SDB. ED in preeclampsia may be potentiated by SDB. SDB appears to contribute significantly to the severity of ED in preeclampsia leading to more severe maternal and fetal outcomes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has shown benefit in reducing the severity of preeclampsia and improving the maternal and fetal outcomes in some studies. Further research is warranted in this area, especially to study the impact of CPAP on the severity of preeclampsia.
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