A Nature study released on December 11, 2024, is shedding light on new possibilities for managing preeclampsia, a condition that affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies in the United States and contributes to 15% of premature births. While improvements in care have enhanced outcomes, this latest research proposes a treatment that could significantly alter future management of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia, characterized by dangerously elevated blood pressure, can frequently present without symptoms, underscoring the necessity for regular prenatal monitoring. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving the outcomes for both mothers and infants, as highlighted by experts like Dr. Sarosh Rana. If untreated, preeclampsia may result in severe complications, including organ failure, strokes, seizures, and additional life-threatening issues. To date, the only definitive method of treatment has been delivering the baby.
However, researchers have now identified a promising new direction.
A potential breakthrough treatment
Investigators from the University of Pennsylvania are exploring an innovative treatment utilizing mRNA technology—the same approach employed in COVID-19 vaccines—to target one of the fundamental causes of preeclampsia. In experiments with pregnant mice, scientists administered an mRNA injection directly to the placenta, encouraging it to generate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that enhances blood flow to the placenta.
The findings were encouraging: a single injection alleviated maternal high blood pressure for the remainder of the pregnancy. Furthermore, the treated mice exhibited improved placental development and enhanced fetal outcomes.
What this means for the future
While these findings are promising, this treatment remains in the initial research phase. “There’s a lot of work to be done really making sure this is a safe technology as we work to scale this up,” stated Kelsey Swingle, lead author and doctoral candidate at Penn, in an interview with Live Science.
There are significant limitations to the study: the treatment has only been tested in mice, and human pregnancies involve far more complexities. Thorough safety evaluations will be essential to verify the treatment’s efficacy and safety for both mothers and infants. Future investigations will aim to transition these findings into clinical trials involving humans.
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