Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy cure hope: Melbourne researchers discover tablet

A TABLET used to treat reflux could stop dangerous pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, Melbourne researchers have discovered.

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A TABLET used to treat reflux could stop dangerous pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, Melbourne researchers have discovered.

The disease, which can damage a woman’s organs through the release of toxins from her placenta, kills about 60,000 mothers worldwide each year.

It has no medical treatment and often forces mums to deliver their babies dangerously early.

A tablet used to treat reflux may stop dangerous pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, Melbourne researchers have discovered. Generic picture: iStock

But a group of international researchers, including a team from Melbourne’s Mercy Hospital for Women, believe they may have found a cure.

Dr Natalie Hannan said the astonishing discovery had the power to save thousands of lives.

“Currently there is no option for women,” she said.

“This is the first time we’ve even had the possibility of treatment on the radar and it’s as simple as a tablet.

“It would be a major step forward.”

Lab tests have shown that the drug, Nexium, blocks the production of the toxic proteins.

Those toxins damage blood vessels and attack major organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain, in women with pre-eclampsia.

“This means that women will be able to take this simple medication and make it to a later stage of pregnancy,” Dr Hannan said.

“The benefit for the baby is that they will be able to stay inside mum for longer if we can keep her healthy. As we all know, babies delivered early can have a really tough time so that is important.”

The group’s laboratory research will be published today in the international journal, Hypertension.

A clinic trial underway in South Africa, where there are high rates of pre-eclampsia.

Further tests are also planned in Australia later this year.

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@moniquehore