What defines preeclampsia?

What defines preeclampsia?

• A. Chronic hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. New onset hypertension plus proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation
• D. Postpartum hypertension

Answer: (C)

Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation in combination with proteinuria. This pairing signals abnormal placental development with systemic endothelial dysfunction affecting multiple organs. Hypertension that exists before pregnancy or begins after delivery isn’t preeclampsia, and hypotension isn’t part of the picture. If proteinuria isn’t present, preeclampsia can still be diagnosed if there are other signs of end-organ dysfunction, but the classic defining feature is new hypertension plus proteinuria after mid-gestation.

Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation in combination with proteinuria. This pairing signals abnormal placental development with systemic endothelial dysfunction affecting multiple organs. Hypertension that exists before pregnancy or begins after delivery isn’t preeclampsia, and hypotension isn’t part of the picture. If proteinuria isn’t present, preeclampsia can still be diagnosed if there are other signs of end-organ dysfunction, but the classic defining feature is new hypertension plus proteinuria after mid-gestation.