Paternal and Maternal Components of the Predisposition to Preeclampsia

Abstract

An abnormal maternal–fetal interaction has been implicated as a cause of preeclampsia.1 A familial predisposition to preeclampsia has been documented, confirming that genetic factors contribute to its development.2 However, research to date has focused principally on the maternal genetic contributions, and little is known about the fetal or paternal contributions to this disease. A maternal predisposition to preeclampsia has been described in studies in Australia, Iceland, and Sweden.2–4 Possible explanations for this predisposition include genetically based hypersensitivity to vasoactive peptides, thrombophilia, or conditions that affect placental invasion of the uterus at the time of implantation. The fetal genotype is . . .