It’s a condition that many pregnant women are affected by, but it looks as though doctors could soon have a way to effectively treat and even prevent pre-eclampsia.
According to research carried out by a team from the University of Melbourne, Metformin – a drug commonly used to treat diabetes – could also be used to treat pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition affecting the placenta, characterised by high blood pressure and, often, high levels of protein in the urine. It can lead to swelling and discomfort for pregnant women, as well as more serious complications.
In the new research report, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, it was found that Metformin can stop toxins released from the placenta in pre-eclampsia, and can also repair damaged blood vessels.
Lead study author Dr Fiona Brownfoot is excited about the discovery, and is looking forward to starting clinical trials.
“We’ve found that this medication is able to block the pre-eclampsia disease process at two points. We’ve found that it’s able to reduce the placental secretion of the toxins; it’s also able to heal Mum’s blood vessels,” Dr Brownfoot told local media in the US.
She added: “We’re quite excited that this might be a treatment for pre-eclampsia.”
