First-Trimester Screening for HELLP Syndrome—Prediction Model Based on MicroRNA Biomarkers and Maternal Clinical Characteristics

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and cardiovascular disease are intimately related. They share many of the same risk factors, mechanisms for disease, and biological markers. For this study, researchers measured tiny pieces of RNA in a pregnant woman’s blood (called microRNAs) during early pregnancy. Researchers asked if microRNAs that are linked to cardiovascular disease in non-pregnant people, could help predict HELLP syndrome (a severe variant of preeclampsia that affects the liver, red blood cells, and platelets).

The study results show good prediction performance for six microRNAs measured in early pregnancy (10-13 weeks gestation) to predict HELLP syndrome later in pregnancy.  When microRNA results were combined with HELLP syndrome risk factors (like age, BMI, history of HELLP syndrome, etc.), about 90% of HELLP syndrome cases were predicted (with a 10% false positive rate). This study is a novel approach that combines clinical characteristics and microRNA information in early pregnancy to predict HELLP syndrome. The study was small and should be replicated in a larger study with more patients to support these findings.

More information on HELLP syndrome.

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/6/5177

Citation: Hromadnikova, I.; Kotlabova, K.; Krofta, L. First-Trimester Screening for HELLP Syndrome—Prediction Model Based on MicroRNA Biomarkers and Maternal Clinical Characteristics. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 5177. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065177

About Research Roundup

Each quarter, our team of science writers reviews the most current research studies related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and summarizes those studies of greatest interest and potential impact to our community, including research studies related to risk assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Special thanks to our volunteer research team, who under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Sutton, make Research Roundup possible and to our Patient Advisory Council, who reviews these materials from the patient perspective.