Sherbrooke researcher funded for preeclampsia study

Although all pregnant women hope for an uncomplicated pregnancy, one in 20 will develops preeclampsia, a clinical condition characterized by high blood pressure, kidney damage, and the presence of certain proteins in the urine. The condition can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby and a specialist at the CIUSSS de l’estrie - CHUS, is trying improve detection of kidney damage caused by preeclampsia and the care of women who suffering from it. She has recently received a grant of nearly$250,000 dollars Canadian Institute of Health Research to further her work.

Dr. Anne-marie Côté, a nephrologist at the CIUSSS de l’estrie - CHUS, and research professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Université de Sherbrooke and at the CHUS Research Center, is currently studying a placental health marker called PLGF that is present in the urine of pregnant women. Compared to blood tests, women find it easier to provide a urine sample, and it is important to evaluate the potential of this promising biomarker.

Côté’s research aims to measure this biomarker and to compare it to other kidney biomarkers found in urine and already used to detect preeclampsia. “The objective is to demonstrate that the PLGF biomarker, in combination with other known biomarkers, is more sensitive and specific than those currently used to detect renal damage from preeclampsia,” Côté said.