How is preeclampsia defined clinically?

How is preeclampsia defined clinically?

• A. Chronic hypertension with proteinuria
• B. Low blood pressure during pregnancy
• C. Any hypertension during pregnancy
• D. New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks with either proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction

Answer: (D)

Preeclampsia occurs when new high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of gestation and is accompanied by either protein leakage in the urine or signs of end-organ dysfunction. Hypertension is typically defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 or diastolic ≥90, confirmed on two occasions at least several hours apart. Proteinuria criteria include ≥300 mg of protein in a 24-hour urine collection or a protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3. If proteinuria isn’t present, the diagnosis can still be made if there is new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks plus end-organ dysfunction such as thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, renal impairment, pulmonary edema, or cerebral/visual symptoms. That combination is what the correct choice describes.

Preeclampsia occurs when new high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of gestation and is accompanied by either protein leakage in the urine or signs of end-organ dysfunction. Hypertension is typically defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 or diastolic ≥90, confirmed on two occasions at least several hours apart. Proteinuria criteria include ≥300 mg of protein in a 24-hour urine collection or a protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3. If proteinuria isn’t present, the diagnosis can still be made if there is new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks plus end-organ dysfunction such as thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, renal impairment, pulmonary edema, or cerebral/visual symptoms. That combination is what the correct choice describes.