Pre-eclampsia is a disorder unique to pregnancy affecting both the mother and the fetus.
Hypertension, proteinuria and edema are the most common and well-known maternal clinical
symptoms. The incidence is approximately 6-8%. Pre-eclampsia is one of the leading causes of
maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity associated with pregnancy throughout the world.
The pathophysiology is unknown. At present, the most effective treatment is immediate
delivery.
The researchers' studies contributed to the demonstration that the vasodilator nitric oxide
(NO) is important for correct placentation and that less nitric oxide (NO)- dependent
vasodilation and an excess formation of reactive oxygen species explain poor placenta
perfusion in pre-eclampsia. This reduced NO activity and increased oxidative stress in
pre-eclamptic placenta is related to low bioavailability of L-arginine, the NO precursor.
In this pilot study the researchers want to evaluate whether the administration of L-arginine
to women with a clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia might restore physiological NO production
in the placenta and ameliorate the pregnancy outcome.
Phase:
Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research