2023-07-17 17:00:00
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that can lead to premature labor and even death. According to statistics, it affects about 7% of pregnant women. Rapid management of this disease is the best way to reduce its occurrence.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine recently made a major discovery that helps identify at-risk moms-to-be.
Pregnancy: specific lipids in case of preeclampsia
By studying the blood plasma of 57 pregnant women during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy as well as the prevalence of preeclampsia among them, American researchers have identified biomarkers linked to this complication. In particular, they found significant differences in the bioactive lipids present in the plasma of mothers who had preeclampsia.
This discovery, presented in the journal Journal of Lipid Researchleads scientists to suggest that a simple blood test could be used to screen pregnant women at risk.
Preeclampsia: blood tests to predict the risk
For the team, looking for this incriminating “lipid fingerprint” during blood tests would allow early detection of women who will develop preeclampsia.
“Applying our comprehensive lipid profiling method to routine obstetric care could significantly reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality”explained Professor Charles Chalfant, lead author of the study, in a communiqué. “This represents an example of how personalized medicine could address an important public health challenge.”
By identifying future mothers at risk through this test, it would be possible to put in place preventive measures – such as taking low doses of aspirin during pregnancy – and appropriate monitoring to minimize the occurrence of this dangerous complication for the mother and baby.
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