Preeclampsia is defined as hypertension associated with proteinuria during de
second half of pregnancy. It occurs in 2 - 8% of cases and could affect kidneys and
other maternal organs such as liver, brain and placenta.
Key messages
􀃎 Preeclampsia is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and
mortality of mothers and newborns.
􀃎 There is insufficient evidence for reliable conclusions about the use of a
donor or precursor of nitric oxide to prevent preeclampsia and its
complications.
􀃎 The use of nitric oxide produces important side effects (headache)
􀃎 More studies including greater numbers of women and conducted in
different settings are needed to assess whether nitric oxide reduces the risk
of preeclampsia and its complications.