Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a significant health issue globally, affecting both maternal and neonatal health.

It is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The condition typically arises after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and often the presence of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications, including eclampsia, HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver  enzymes, Low Platelet count), and organ failure, if not properly managed.

In addition to maternal mortality, preeclampsia can lead to placental insufficiency, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, and preterm birth, which are significant contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality.

LMICs often face challenges in early detection and management of preeclampsia due to limited resources and infrastructure. However, advancements in high-performance diagnostics offer promising solutions. For example, biomarkers have shown significant promise in predicting the risk of developing preeclampsia, particularly when used in combination with other clinical factors. The sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) to PlGF ratio has been extensively studied and is considered one of the most promising biomarkers for predicting the onset of preeclampsia. A high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio indicates an increased risk of preeclampsia, particularly early-onset disease, and can predict the condition weeks before symptoms develop. While these biomarkers represent a significant advancement in the management of preeclampsia, challenges remain regarding their universal accessibility, cost, and the standardization of testing protocols.