Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the most serious disorders of pregnancy. European and central Asian researchers joined forces to deliver the largest study on the genetic basis of PE.
Approximately 10 % of women develop high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy. When this is accompanied by kidney malfunction and loss of protein in the urine, this condition is known as PE and can endanger the lives of pregnant women and their babies. Although medication may control hypertension, the only cure for PE is to deliver the baby. However, the combined risks of poor intrauterine growth and prematurity lead to high mortality.
Further details: Genetic basis of pre-eclampsia