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Current Hypertension Reports
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26-12-2023 | Pre-Eclampsia | Preeclampsia (A Kattah, Section Editor)

Cell-Free Nucleic Acids for Early Prediction of Preeclampsia

Authors: Mira N. Moufarrej, Virginia D. Winn, Stephen R. Quake

Published in: Current Hypertension Reports | Issue 4/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the potential of cell-free nucleic acids for predicting preeclampsia, contrasts them with other methods, and discusses these findings’ relevance to preeclampsia’s pathogenesis and care.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of cell-free nucleic acids in early preeclampsia risk prediction. Encouragingly, nucleic acid measurement exhibits similar or better sensitivity as compared to standard screening assays and furthermore sheds light on preeclampsia’s underlying placental biology.

Summary

Over the past decade, liquid biopsies measuring cell-free nucleic acids have found diverse applications, including in prenatal care. Recent advances have extended their utility to predict preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality. These assays assess methylation patterns in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or gene levels in cell-free RNA (cfRNA). Currently, preeclampsia care focuses on blood pressure control, seizure prevention, and delivery. If validated, early prediction of preeclampsia through liquid biopsies can improve maternal health and deepen our understanding of its causes.
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Metadata
Title
Cell-Free Nucleic Acids for Early Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors
Mira N. Moufarrej
Virginia D. Winn
Stephen R. Quake
Publication date
26-12-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Pre-Eclampsia
Published in
Current Hypertension Reports / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1522-6417
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3111
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-023-01291-z

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