Study gives new insight into preeclampsia

SYDNEY, March 22 (UPI) -- Australian scientists have found that a reduction of the blood flow to the uterus and placenta in pregnant baboons causes several signs of human preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder affecting 5 percent of pregnancies, resulting in both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. There is no treatment other than induced delivery of the baby, with the causes and mechanisms of preeclampsia undetermined.

Now Angela Makris and colleagues at Heart Research Institute and University of Sydney have offered new insight into the condition with a primate model of preeclampsia induced by tying one of the uterine arteries.

The researchers found the resulting low blood flow causes increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine, both of which are important features of preeclampsia.

Makris said the study suggests a reduction in placental blood perfusion might result in the development of the condition.

The research appears in the current issue of the journal Kidney International.