The Preeclampsia Foundation hosted top medical experts in the field of preeclampsia and representatives from government and global health organizations at the first international Preeclampsia summit April 4-5, at the Aljoya Conference Center in Seattle.  Attendees were drawn from the international medical community, research organizations, government and world health programs to identify and prioritize appropriate interventions to reduce maternal and infant illness and death in the developing world due to preeclampsia and eclampsia. 

Preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal death and illness, affects approximately five percent of all pregnancies - or 6 million births annually.  The disorder occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the unborn baby.  Preeclampsia is characterized by elevated blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine.  It is a rapidly progressive condition and if undetected or untreated can lead to stroke, kidney failure, liver failure and hemorrhage.  It is responsible for 15 percent of all premature births.  Preliminary data from the World Health Organization indicates that 12 percent of newborns born to mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia will die within the first month of life.

"...Preeclampsia is characterized by elevated blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine…"