Can SSRIs reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant, depressed patients?☆

Received 30 May 2003; accepted 17 October 2003. published online 28 September 2004.

Summary

Preeclampsia causes substantial morbidity and mortality. A significant part of the etiology of preeclampsia involves endothelial damage and platelet activation and in this way can be conceived as an illness with a pathophysiology similar to coronary artery disease. Depression is an independent risk factor for the progression of cardiovascular disease [Am Heart J 140 (2000) S57] and there is evidence to suggest that it may be a risk factor for preeclampsia as well. SSRIs have been shown to reduce the progression of coronary artery disease, independent of improvement in mood. SSRIs may also reduce risk factors for preeclampsia in addition to treating depression in pregnancy. This is an important area for further research.

Department of Psychiatry, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Room C8-846, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA

Tel.: +1 310 267 2095; fax: +1 310 825 0340

☆ This paper was written without grant support.

1 Present address: 301 Loyola Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, USA. Tel.: +1 805 966 3935.

PII: S0306-9877(04)00429-3

doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2003.10.038

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