PEARLS
Preeclampsia Research Laboratories

Newsletter June 2003

Recent articles on causes of preeclampsia

There have been several recent articles stating that the cause of preeclampsia has been found, and that a test has become available... Let us consider these statements in detail.

1- A factor (Soluble FLT-1) has been identified that is elevated in women with preeclampsia. When this compound is injected into RATS it causes a preeclampsia-like conditions. This was just as likely in non-pregnant rats. This factor needs to be more carefully studied in humans to know whether this is in any way a factor of significance. It is not known whether it is a measure of severity of preeclampsia or whether it is coming from the placenta in humans or even if it can be treated. This study by Maynard et al is an important one to initiate new areas or work in humans. We will be trying to look at this protein as a possible indicator of increases in blood pressure- depending on fund-raising for 2003-4.

2- A study has identified a blood product to be high in the blood of women with preeclampsia. This protein would block the natural decline in blood pressure seen in normal pregnancy. This substance (ADMA) was identified 10 years ago, but has only now been shown to be different in owmen with preeclampsia. The numbers in this study were small (43 women) and again it is too early to say whether this is going to a compound measurable in all cases.

Does WORK increase my Blood Pressure?

These was a recent study published from Ireland looking at the relationship between work and increased BP. They found a link, but interestingly most of their women stopped work at 20 weeks of gestation and were at a relatively young stage of their working life. It is not possible to know with the small numbers in this trial, whether this is relvant to women in other counteries. The type of work was not well studied.

PEARLS Activities

The laboratory has been going for 8 months now. We are about to submit our first PhD - Mr Stef Orange is currently presenting data about placentas causing increased blood pressure at the European Society of Hypertension in Milan. Good luck Stef.

We have two new honours students who are looking at the accuracy of blood pressure taking in different areas of the hospital (Clinics and labour ward). This will be a good quality program, as well a chance to get some fresh eyes to look at the way in which blood pressure is taken.

New national clinical indiactors of outcome are being developed and are about to be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy in Perth in October.

Fundraising

We have two functions planned - the annual cocktail party on the 19th September at the Museum of Sydney and a dinner to be announced at the NSW state Parliament. Donations through the website are providing some welcome financial support for the laboratory tests we are doing in long term follow-up studies of mothers enrolled in our reserach programme.

If you wish to donate, you can also have a look at the wish list on our website www.reeclampsia.org.au

Preeclampsia information

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