Preeclampsia is new-onset, persistent high blood pressure (systolic ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg), with evidence of organ injury, which develops during pregnancy. The most common sign of organ injury in preeclampsia is the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria), indicating kidney dysfunction, but many organs can be affected, such as the liver and brain.[1][2][3][4] It usually occurs later in pregnancy (over 20 weeks gestation) and resolves by 3 months postpartum, although it can also develop after childbirth.[5]
Preeclampsia can still develop in pregnant people who already have chronic hypertension, so signs of organ injury need to be carefully screened for after 20 weeks gestation.
Preeclampsia is important to identify and manage, as it is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications (e.g., preterm birth; maternal pulmonary edema, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure; intrauterine growth restriction or poor fetal growth; fetal death).[4][6][7] Preeclampsia is unlikely to get better on its own and may worsen without medical interventions. In severe cases, pregnant people experience seizures, at which point the condition is termed eclampsia.
References
- ^Report of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy.Am J Obstet Gynecol.(2000 Jul)
- ^Wu P, Haththotuwa R, Kwok CS, Babu A, Kotronias RA, Rushton C, Zaman A, Fryer AA, Kadam U, Chew-Graham CA, Mamas MAPreeclampsia and Future Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes.(2017-Feb)
- ^Khaing W, Vallibhakara SA, Tantrakul V, Vallibhakara O, Rattanasiri S, McEvoy M, Attia J, Thakkinstian ACalcium and Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.Nutrients.(2017-Oct-18)
- ^Hofmeyr GJ, Lawrie TA, Atallah AN, Duley L, Torloni MRCalcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problemsCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2014 Jun 24)
- ^Ahmed R, Dunford J, Mehran R, Robson S, Kunadian VPre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular risk among women: a review.J Am Coll Cardiol.(2014-May-13)
- ^Osungbade KO, Ige OKPublic health perspectives of preeclampsia in developing countries: implication for health system strengthening.J Pregnancy.(2011)
- ^Aaserud M, Lewin S, Innvaer S, Paulsen EJ, Dahlgren AT, Trommald M, Duley L, Zwarenstein M, Oxman ADTranslating research into policy and practice in developing countries: a case study of magnesium sulphate for pre-eclampsia.BMC Health Serv Res.(2005-Nov-01)