An evaluation of inhibin and activin as early markers of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. [ 2000 - 2002 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Euan Wallace (Principal investigator)

Brief description Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth problems are among the major causes of maternal and perinatal death in Australia. One of the most pressing difficulties in the management of these conditions is our present inability to accurately predict those women who are destined to have one or other of these serious complications. Unfortunately, this means that the conditions are often detected late with little or no time to offer effective treatments. This project builds on exciting preliminary evidence that suggests that a simple blood test from the mother in early pregnancy may be able to identify the women who will subsequently develop high blood pressure in late pregnancy, or the babies that will suffer impaired growth before delivery. In the future, such knowledge might then allow these women to receive more effective care, thereby improving their chance of a successful pregnancy. The project will also define the best time in pregnancy to perform the blood test and, if successful, could alter the very way women are currently looked after during their pregnancy.

Funding Amount $AUD 96,921.52

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes New Investigator Grant