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Lack of consistency in research papers over the definition of pre‐eclampsia
Author(s) -
Chappell Lucy,
Poulton Lena,
Halligan Aiden,
Shennan Andrew H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1999.tb08442.x
Subject(s) - eclampsia , consistency (knowledge bases) , interpretation (philosophy) , confusion , computer science , data science , medicine , psychology , artificial intelligence , pregnancy , programming language , genetics , psychoanalysis , biology
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.