Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia (pronunciation: /priːɪˈklæmpsɪə/) is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys.

Etymology

The term "pre-eclampsia" is derived from the Greek words "pre" (before) and "eclampsia" (a sudden flashing light or shining forth), which refers to the seizures that occur in severe cases of the condition.

Definition

Pre-eclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by the onset of high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine. When it arises, the condition begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In severe cases of the condition, there can be red blood cell breakdown, low blood platelet count, impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs, or visual disturbances.

Symptoms

Pre-eclampsia often has no symptoms. High blood pressure may develop slowly, or it may have a sudden onset. Monitoring of the blood pressure is important because hypertension can develop without any noticeable symptoms. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia can include: severe headaches, abnormal liver function, decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, changes in vision, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain.

Causes

While the exact cause of pre-eclampsia remains unclear, it is believed to occur when there is a problem with the placenta, the organ that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy. Some theories propose that the condition is caused by certain genetic factors or a lack of blood flow to the uterus.

Treatment

The main treatment for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby. Medications may be used to manage blood pressure or to prevent seizures in the mother. In some cases, bed rest and dietary changes may be recommended.

Related Terms

• Eclampsia
• Hypertension
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• HELLP syndrome
• Gestational diabetes

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pre-eclampsia
• Wikipedia's article - Pre-eclampsia

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