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Preeclampsia - Overview

Alternative Names

Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Definition of Preeclampsia:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

Autoimmune disorders
Blood vessel problems
Diet
Genes

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

First pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Obesity
Older than age 35
Past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease

Preeclampsia

Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Sibai BM. Hypertension. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics - Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 33.

Cunnigham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al . Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. In: Cunnigham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, NY; McGraw-Hill; 2005:chap 34.

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