New study reveals biological processes underpinning preeclampsia

A team from Yale University has conducted a study into the biological mechanisms thought to be responsible for preeclampsia, a potentially serious condition affecting pregnant women.

The study, which appeared in the journal Reproductive Sciences this week, has shown that the problem may be caused by conflicting biological mechanisms in the mother's uterus and placenta.

In typical pregnancies, a balance is created by cells called trophoblasts that aim to create an increased flow of blood to the placenta and the baby, while secreting a protein that prevents the mother's lymphocytes from attacking.

However, in some cases this balance can be upset to cause preeclampsia, which leads to high blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine, which can only be remedied by delivery of the baby.

Dr Harvey Kliman, research scientist in the department of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, said: "We believe that maintaining this balance could be the key to a healthy pregnancy free from preeclampsia."

NHS figures show that mild forms of this condition occur in ten percent of first-time pregnancies, while more severe problems can happen in one or two percent of cases.