Which criteria is used to diagnose preeclampsia during pregnancy?

The diagnosis of preeclampsia during pregnancy relies heavily on the presence of significant proteinuria, specifically when protein excretion exceeds 300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection. This is indicative of kidney involvement due to the hypertensive disorder, which can lead to further complications if left unmonitored. The presence of elevated blood pressure alone does not confirm preeclampsia; it must be accompanied by proteinuria or other signs of end-organ dysfunction.

In addition to proteinuria, there are other clinical manifestations that healthcare providers look for, including elevated blood pressure and signs of liver or renal impairment. Understanding the critical role of protein levels in urine helps in distinguishing preeclampsia from other hypertensive disorders that may present during pregnancy. This is why the specific threshold of proteinuria is a cornerstone criterion for diagnosis.