title: Lack of consistency in research papers over the definition of pre-eclampsia.
abstract: The most common definition of pre-eclampsia involves hypertension and proteinuria. This has changed little in over a hundred years despite advances in understanding the underlying pathological process. However, a number of variations in definition exist, and this paper demonstrates a lack of consistency in research articles in defining pre-eclampsia. A quarter of papers omit description, and many authors choose their own interpretation of the standard classification. Editors and reviewers should ensure that papers include a clear description of the definition used and an adequate description of the population studied to allow meaningful interpretation of research findings.
authors.affiliation: Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chappell
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Poulton
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halligan
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Shennan
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia; D011247:Pregnancy; D011643:Publishing; D012106:Research; D009626:Terminology as Topic