Origin: Latin prefix pre-
Preeclampsia has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria; can lead to eclampsia if untreated
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.