epidemiology

Last reviewed 10/2022

Mild pre-eclampsia occurs in 1 in 10 mothers, it is severe in 1 in 50, and progresses to eclampsia in 1 in 3500.

Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of intrauterine growth retardation and perinatal mortality, and is the most common cause of iatrogenic prematurity.

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is responsible for 10% - 15% of maternal death around the world:

• in developing countries, majority of deaths are due to eclampsia
• in developed countries complication of pre-eclampsia are often the cause (1)

Reference:

• (1) Turner JA. Diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia: an update. Int J Womens Health. 2010;2:327-37