What defines preeclampsia in a pregnant patient?

Preeclampsia is characterized by new-onset hypertension and the presence of either proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation. The elevation in blood pressure typically involves readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. The development of proteinuria indicates that the kidneys are affected, which is a key component of the disorder. Alternatively, end-organ dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including indicative signs such as elevated liver enzymes, renal impairment, or neurological complications.

While hypertension alone may indicate a hypertensive disorder in the context of pregnancy, it does not fulfill the criteria for diagnosing preeclampsia unless accompanied by the additional findings of proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction. Edema, although it may occur in many pregnancies, is not a defining characteristic of preeclampsia, thus eliminating that choice as well.

The presence of eclampsia signs refers to the more severe manifestation of the condition, marked by the development of seizures in an individual with preeclampsia. As such, it is not a defining criterion for diagnosing preeclampsia itself, rather it indicates a progression of the disease that requires immediate medical attention.

Therefore, the defining elements of preeclampsia hinge on