Preeclampsia

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Preeclampsia

Definition

Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Alternative Names

Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Causes

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. Possible causes include:

Autimmune disorders
Blood vessel problems
Diet
Genes

Preeclampsia occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies. Risk factors include:

African-American heritage
First pregnancy
Multiple pregnancies
Older than age 35
Past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease


Preeclampsia

Review Date: 8/17/2007
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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