Is it possible to predict Pre-eclampsia?

A study published in BJOG has indicated that levels of two biomarkers (ADMA and Hcy) in the blood of pregnant women may be able to predict which women are at risk of pre-eclampsia.  The study was established to try and identify some reliable forms of screening for this potentially very dangerous condition.

Results from the 252 women in their study (based at two hospitals), indicate that these two biomarkers, which were already known to be present in women with pre-eclampsia, were also found in the blood work of women one month before they went on to develop the condition.  It is hoped that this work can be used to identify woman at risk earlier in their pregnancies.

Mervi Jokinen, RCM practice and standards professional advisor said: ‘This is interesting research on a common condition in pregnancy, which is usually easily treated and managed. However, it does need to be taken very seriously because in its severe form pre-eclampsia can have serious and harmful effects on the mother and baby…Early identification of those women who may be predisposed to it could be valuable. This is a small but encouraging study and more research is needed. Other issues like timing and cost-effectiveness of universal screening also need to be looked at.”

See research abstract here

Read the RCM response here