Preeclampsia
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A complication of pregnancy, affecting about 2-20% of women, depending on location, characterized by hypertension and damage to the linings of the blood vessels of the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys, which can lead to multiple organ failure, convulsions, coma and death. The only cure is delivery of the child. uncountable, usually
- 2 abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria; can lead to eclampsia if untreated wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
More examples"Preeclampsia is a leading cause of mother and infant mortality worldwide, affecting an estimated three to five percent of pregnant women."
Etymology
From pre- + eclampsia.