toxemia of pregnancy
Definition
Noun: * A serious medical disorder of pregnancy: A condition, now more commonly referred to as preeclampsia, characterized by the new onset of high blood pressure (hypertension) and significant amounts of protein in the urine (proteinuria) after 20 weeks of gestation. Edema (swelling) is also a common feature.
Usage
- Medical Diagnosis: The term is used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and describe this specific pregnancy complication.
- The patient was diagnosed with toxemia of pregnancy and requires close monitoring.
- Describing Symptoms: It is used when discussing the cluster of symptoms that define the condition.
- The main signs of toxemia of pregnancy include high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: In modern medical terminology, "preeclampsia" is the preferred term. "Toxemia of pregnancy" is considered an older name, based on the historical but incorrect theory that a toxin in the blood caused the condition.
- While "toxemia of pregnancy" is still understood, the term "preeclampsia" is now standard in obstetric care.
Variants and Related Words
- Preeclampsia (n): The contemporary medical term for the same condition described as toxemia of pregnancy.
- Eclampsia (n): A severe, life-threatening progression of preeclampsia characterized by the onset of seizures.
- Hypertension (n): High blood pressure, a key diagnostic criterion.
- Proteinuria (n): The presence of excess protein in the urine, a key diagnostic criterion.
Synonyms
- Preeclampsia: The direct modern synonym.
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH): A related term sometimes used interchangeably, though it may not always imply the presence of proteinuria.
Notes on Meaning
- The term specifically refers to the condition occurring during pregnancy. It is distinct from general hypertension or other medical conditions.
- It denotes an abnormal state, not a typical symptom of pregnancy.
Noun
-
an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and edema and protein in the urine
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