title: Editorial summary of symposium on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly the preeclampsia/eclampsia syndrome, remain the leading causes of worldwide pregnancy-related maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. This group of conditions are a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' to quote Winston Churchill. We are fortunate to have contributions from leading clinical experts who have devoted many years of their professional careers attempting to solve this conundrum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dr Jack Moodley has provided us with a perspective on clinical management in underresourced countries. Referral to experts, aggressive treatment of hypertension and use of magnesium sulfate improves care. Dr Shennan focuses on the assessment of risk, close antenatal surveillance and timely delivery. Dr Uzan continues to champion the use of aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia, even though the evidence is contradictory. Dr Sibai addresses the lack of evidence for calcium, vitamin C and E in prevention of preeclampsia. Dr Von Dadelszen is developing a new paradigm for the classification of these disorders and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence suggests that treatment of severe hypertension, seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate, and management by experienced healthcare professionals will improve maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Well designed studies will lead to evidence-based improvement in caring for mothers and babies worldwide.
authors.forename: Maurice L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Druzin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: Ann L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents