The Use of Statins During Pregnancy in Patients Diagnosed With Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and angiogenic imbalance, contributing to significant global maternal and fetal morbidity. Statins, particularly pravastatin, have shown promise in mitigating preeclampsia through their pleiotropic effects, including upregulation of nitric oxide, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement of placental vascular function. Recent clinical trials have exhibited pravastatin’s safety in pregnancy and efficacy in reducing preterm preeclampsia and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Trials such as the StAmP (Statins to Ameliorate Preeclampsia) and INOVASIA (Indonesia Pravastatin to Prevent Preeclampsia Study) and Costantine et al studies highlight pravastatin’s favorable safety profile with no significant maternal or fetal adverse effects. While some studies report limited statistical significance in biomarker changes, pravastatin consistently improves neonatal outcomes such as birth weight, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit stays. These findings support pravastatin as a potential therapeutic option for preeclampsia management. Further larger-scale trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing, long-term safety, and its future role in clinical practice.