A new study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found women who have experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy are at a greater risk for developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  
 
Research shows the rate of ESRD was between 3.2 and 15.5 times greater for women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy.  
 
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling. Preeclampsia may initiate damage to the kidneys that can take years to develop.
 
It is suggested women who have had any type of preeclampsia or eclampsia monitor any ongoing kidney disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.