Gene Expression In Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Effectors in Preeclampsia

The purpose of this study is to figure out some of the differences in bodily function between women who have preeclampsia and those who do not.

• This may eventually lead to an understanding of its cause. At this time, there is no known way to prevent preeclampsia, and the cause is not known.
• The only treatment is delivery of the baby, even if it is premature, in order to decrease the risk to the mother.

• Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder that occurs in about 6% of all pregnancies.
• In its mild for, preeclampsia involves high blood pressure. More severe forms of preeclampsia can lead to more serious pregnancy complications.
• At this time, there is no known way to prevent preeclampsia, and the cause is not known. The only treatment is delivery of the baby, even if it is premature, in order to decrease the risk to the mother.
• The purpose of this study is to figure out some of the differences in bodily function between women who have preeclampsia and those who do not. This may eventually lead to an understanding of its cause.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gravidas at 32-42 weeks gestation,who have preeclampsia as defined by Sibai et al, 1997.
• Control patients: Gravidas without history of hypertension of any kind, and matched to cases for parity, gestational age, labor status, maternal age, and race.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior betamethasone administration, fetal growth restriction (<3%ile), prior chronic hypertension (nonpregnant or < 20 weeks gestation any pregnancy), chorioamnionitis, major fetal anomaly or chromosome abnormality, multiple gestation, and maternal diabetes (any class except diet-controlled gestational).