Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious medical condition that affects about 8% of first-time pregnancies. It leads to high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and damage to the mother’s blood vessels, resulting in dangerous complications for both mother and baby. The only definitive cure is to deliver the baby, often prematurely, which can cause significant health issues. Each year, PE is responsible for over 76,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths worldwide, and it also raises the risk of future heart disease by 25-30%.

Despite its severity, the exact causes of PE remain unclear. However, our recent research has uncovered a new clue: a defect in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in women with severe PE, which persists for years after delivery. This finding challenges the long-standing belief that the placenta is the primary cause of PE.
We suspect that infections might be the underlying cause of this endometrial defect. For example, past infections like Epstein-Barr virus and COVID-19 have been linked to long-term health issues, including increased risks of multiple sclerosis and various heart conditions.

Our project aims to explore this hypothesis further. We believe that inflammation resulting from infections could lead to the endometrial defect and, in turn, cause the blood vessel damage observed in PE.
If we can confirm this theory, it could transform our understanding and treatment of PE, leading to new methods for diagnosis and management. This research has the potential to benefit many women and babies by improving treatments and preventing the long-term health problems associated with PE. Understanding the link between infections and conditions like PE could revolutionize our approach to these complex health challenges.