Biomarkers in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can be a devastating disease. It remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality. The ability to predict preeclampsia would be a major advance in maternal-fetal medicine. In this regard, several biomarkers have been proposed. Angiogenic factors, PP-13, and combinations of these and other parameters with Doppler analysis hold promise for future predictive testing for preeclampsia. Newer genomic and proteomic technologies are a rapidly emerging field that has enabled biological samples to be surveyed for biomarkers in ways never before possible, and promises the development of exciting new applications over the next few years. In addition, non-invasive, easily performed and inexpensive tests will be a useful alternative approach for use as screening tests in developing countries. It is exciting to envision the tremendous impact that an accurate biomarker for preeclampsia would have, i.e. reduction of fetal and maternal deaths, improvement in acute and long-term outcomes, reduced health costs, and in addition, the acceleration of drug discovery leading to the ultimate goal: the effective treatment of preeclampsia. More prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the clinical utility of preeclampsia biomarkers. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.