Pre-eclampsia complicates 2–8% of pregnancies and may have serious effects on
mother and child, which makes it an important challenge to public health in both
developed and developing countries. An estimated 10–25% of maternal deaths in
developing countries are associated with preeclampsia or eclampsia. The severe
form of preeclampsia affects about one to two per cent of pregnant women. In these
cases, the woman´s liver, kidneys, clotting system, or brain could be affected, and
can lead to death or serious problems for her and her child.
Key messages
􀃎 Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain one the most important causes
of maternal mortality in developed and developing countries.
􀃎 There is little evidence to support the use of low-dose dopamine for oliguria in
women with severe preeclampsia.
􀃎 More quality clinical trials are necessary to assess the role of low-dose dopamine
in pre-eclamptic women with oliguria.