The metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate (MCRDS) was measured in 11 women during an eclamptic episode, and the subjects were then followed for at least 5 years. The MCRDS was usually decreased in primigravid women with eclampsia. However, in eclamptic primigravid women who later developed essential hypertension and/or recurrent hypertension in subsequent pregnancies the MCRDS was elevated. Also, in multiparous women with chronic essential hypertension plus superimposed eclampsia, the MCRDS was increased to above normal values.