Pre-eclampsia is a complex disease and is often difficult to diagnose as its causes are not well understood.

Currently there is no treatment for pre-eclampsia, apart from delivery of the baby, so a way of predicting it using a screening tool is vital.

The tests currently used to predict pre-eclampsia are not accurate enough. Sparks is funding research to develop a single, accurate test to identify mothers who are at risk of developing pre-eclampsia during their pregnancy.

What we’re doing

Previous studies have shown that specific markers in the mother’s bloodstream can be used to predict pre-eclampsia. Sparks funded researchers propose to measure and combine these markers simultaneously, providing a more powerful way of identifying women at greatest risk.

The potential impact

If the research is successful, this early detection of pre-eclampsia will help doctors improve care of the mother and unborn child during pregnancy.

Location

St Mary’s Hospital and The Hope Hospital Manchester

Cost

£195,720 over 36 months

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