Diagnostic Test for Severe Early-Onset Preeclampsia

Researchers at the University of Missouri (MU) have developed a novel diagnostic test that can be used for the early detection of preeclampsia. This test identifies an early biomarker that will enable obstetricians to diagnose and treat the condition before symptoms emerge. Background Severe early-onset preeclampsia (sPE) is a pathological condition that develops in women during pregnancy and often results in serious or fatal complications for both the mother and her unborn child. Preeclampsia is one of the potential causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality that affects 7-10% of pregnancies. Preeclampsia is a multi-organ and heterogenous disorder that if left untreated could lead to eclampsia, which is a life threatening maternal neurovascular disorder. Currently there are no diagnostics for preeclampsia preceding the onset of symptoms, which include hypertension, increased proteinuria and extreme edema. As such, pregnant women are often unaware of the development of sPE until serious symptoms present. The novel diagnostic test in development at MU presents a new, presymptomatic, early-stage diagnostic with the potential to change the impact of preeclampsia on pregnant women and their children.

Applications

• Early diagnosis of preeclampsi

Advantages

• Earliest diagnostic available
• Inexpensive
• Non-invasive Patent Status

Patent pending

State of Development

• Preclinical

Additional Details