Saving the maternal brain

Purpose and aims: Preeclampsia occurs in 3% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, where cerebral injury is among the most common complications. Further, women who have experienced preeclampsia have increased risk of cerebral disorders later in life.

The aims of this study are to increase the understanding of how the brain is affected by preeclampsia, focusing on cerebral blood flow regulation, cerebral tissue perfusion, blood brain barrier integrity and cognitive function, at diagnosis and one year after pregnancy.Design: Prospective ongoing cohort study in Uppsala and Gothenburg. 140 women with preeclampsia and 60 controls will undergo blood sampling, cutting edge examinations by cerebral Doppler blood flow and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as cognitive tests during pregnancy and one year after.

Blood-brain barrier studies will be performed in vitro. Inclusion has started and is estimated to be finalized 2022.

Thereafter experiments, analyses and manuscript writing will be performed.Relevance: Every 12th minute a woman dies because of preeclampsia, particularly from cerebral complications.

The underlying mechanisms for these complications are poorly investigated and thus we also lack effective treatment in the acute phase and ways to prevent long-term cerebral effects after preeclampsia.

By adding to this knowledge, we hope to contribute to United Nations 3rd sustainable development goal, to improve maternal health.