preeclampsia

Noun.  (pathology) A complication of pregnancy, affecting about 5% of all women, 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.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.