| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Preeclampsia |
| Definition: |
| Preeclampsia is the development of swelling, elevated blood pressure, and protein in the urine during pregnancy. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
The exact cause of preeclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes exist, including genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel), and autoimmune factors. None of the theories have yet been proven. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 8% of all pregnancies. Increased risk is associated with first pregnancies, advancing maternal age, African-American women, multiple pregnancies, and women with a past history of diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. |
Reviewed By: Dominic Marchiano, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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