toxaemia of pregnancy
Definition
Noun: * A serious medical condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension), significant swelling (edema), and the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria). It is a type of hypertensive disorder specific to pregnancy.
Usage
- This is a formal, medical term used by healthcare professionals. In general conversation, the condition is more commonly referred to as preeclampsia.
- It describes a specific syndrome, not just isolated symptoms. The presence of all key features (hypertension, edema, proteinuria) is central to the diagnosis.
Examples
- The patient was admitted to the hospital for management of toxaemia of pregnancy.
- Regular prenatal check-ups include screening for signs of toxaemia of pregnancy, such as elevated blood pressure.
- Toxaemia of pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications worldwide.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in a historical or broad diagnostic context. Modern clinical practice typically uses more specific classifications like preeclampsia and eclampsia (which includes seizures).
- It may be used in medical literature to discuss the pathophysiological theories of the condition, often involving "toxins" in the blood (though the exact cause remains unknown).
Variants and Related Words
- Preeclampsia (n): The modern, more specific term for the same condition.
- Eclampsia (n): A severe progression of preeclampsia involving seizures.
- Gestational hypertension (n): High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy without protein in the urine.
- HELLP syndrome (n): A severe, life-threatening variant of preeclampsia involving Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.
Synonyms
- Preeclampsia
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) – though this is a broader term that can include gestational hypertension without proteinuria.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "toxaemia" is derived from the historical belief that the condition was caused by toxins in the blood. While this theory is largely outdated, the name persists.
- The primary meaning is the specific triad of symptoms (hypertension, edema, proteinuria) occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Noun
-
an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and edema and protein in the urine
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
