Study of von Willebrand Factor Multimers in Preeclampsia

Overview

About this study

This study is being done to look for early indicators in the blood and urine of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Specifically, this study will look for differences between gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and normal pregnancy. The following indicators will be studied: specific activated clotting factors (proteins in the blood that help form clots); the enzyme that cleaves clotting factor aggregates (clots); and microparticles (small particles shed from cells) from blood vessel cells, platelets (part of the blood that forms clots) and in the urine. Gestational hypertension refers to a benign form of high blood pressure in pregnancy.  The results of this study might lead to the development of methods to identify this condition early, and new ways to treat it

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion criteria for preeclampsia:

  • Women in the third trimester of pregnancy with hypertension, proteinuria and edema.
  • Women with severe forms of preeclampsia who, in addition to the classical diad, develop:
  • Renal failure
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Neurological symptoms and signs, including convulsions
  • Epigastric pain
  • Retinal hemorrhage, exudates, papilledema
  • Pulmonary edema.  

Inclusion criteria for normal pregnancy:

  • Women in the third trimester of pregnancy without hypertension and proteinuria both during the pregnancy and in the early postpartum period. The presence of edema, but without hypertension and proteinuria, will be acceptable since edema develops in one third of otherwise normal pregnancies.  

Exclusion criteria for both groups:

  • Women with chronic diseases that predispose them to superimposed preeclampsia, such as:
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Pre-existing hypertension.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Vesna Garovic, M.D., Ph.D.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available
.
CLS-20314051

Mayo Clinic Footer