MIAMI – University of Miami researchers have found a potential treatment for a life-threatening condition that affects pregnant women.
The study showed that mutations in a single gene can cause many of the complications associated with preeclampsia.
Researchers also found that in a certain type of preeclampsia large doses of vitamin C may provide protection against oxidative stress.
“Really it introduces the concept that using individualized precision medicine to look at preeclampsia and really identify these women prior to pregnancy or early on and treat them with vitamin C or any other antioxidant or any kind of Nitrous Oxide component to see if we can help with preeclampsia,” said Dr. Shathiyah Kulandavelu, a UM researcher.
The research team is continuing to study human placentas from preeclampsia patients, which may lead to new diagnostics and treatments
And a recent study found that despite treatment with antidepressants, only 18% to 29% of expectant mothers stayed in remission throughout their pregnancy.
About 40% of pregnant women who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, actually had higher levels of anxiety.
Depressive symptoms during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and baby.
Researchers said their findings suggest additional support, such as therapy and stress management, should be offered to these women who continue to struggle with mental health issues during pregnancy.