Specific Genetic Mutations Associated with Preeclampsia, Hospital for Special Surgery Study

E Science News -- Specific genetic mutations in women with autoimmune diseases are associated with preeclampsia—a common pregnancy-related problem that can threaten the health of both baby and mother. Furthermore, investigation of these specific genetic mutations has revealed an association between similar mutations and preeclampsia in women without any underlying autoimmune disease. These are the findings of a study by Jane Salmon a rheumatologist from Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA, and colleagues and published in this week's PLoS Medicine. Preeclampsia complicates 4%-5% of all pregnancies worldwide, causing significant maternal and neonatal mortality. Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), two autoimmune diseases characterized by complement-mediated injury, is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.