Preeclampsia is a human
pregnancy specific condition which
develops in up to 10% of
pregnancies, affecting both mother
(by vascular dysfunction) and
foetus (by intrauterine growth
restriction). Symptoms include
headaches, swelling, and nausea,
but internal bleeding can also arise.
There is no cure.Symptoms can only be reversed by delivery of the foetus, and thus preeclampsia accounts for up to 15% of all preterm births. It is a condition which is currently detected late in pregnancy by measurement of elevated blood pressure and protein in urine.
Clinical Need
The proposed technology would have the advantage of screening women early in pregnancy, thereby allowing (i) improved obstetric management of high risk women and (ii) decreased monitoring of low risk mothers (90% of population). The market potential for a diagnostic is based on cost savings from downgrading antenatal care for low-risk individuals (£1000 - £1500 per patient). Equating to a total potential UK market of £750m - £1.25bn.