Urine test could spot preeclampsia

Research led by the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has provided a new advance in predicting a potentially serious pregnancy complication.

The team led by Dr Matt Hall, of the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation at the University of Leicester, conducted a study to see if analysing the protein content of pregnant women’s urine before the 20th week of pregnancy might predict a condition known as preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia affects approximately 5% of pregnancies and can pose serious health concerns for mother and child. Some patients develop severe disease associated with kidney, liver, and neurological problems. The condition is characterised by high blood pressure and the loss of protein in the urine during the second half of pregnancy.

The researchers recruited 145 patients at risk of preeclampsia from Leicester Royal Infirmary early in pregnancy. Eleven subsequently developed preeclampsia. An analysis of urine samples obtained prior to week 20 revealed a panel of 5 proteins that correctly predicted preeclampsia with 92% accuracy.

Dr Hall said: “Our study suggests that changes in levels of certain proteins in the urine early in pregnancy can predict who will develop preeclampsia about 5 months before symptoms develop.

“Although these results do not give us a cure for preeclampsia, early identification of women at highest risk will allow focused monitoring and timely delivery of their babies, as well as reassurance for women found to be low risk.”

(Source: University of Leicester: Renal Week 2010, Denver)