A pregnant woman measuring blood pressure. /CFP

Israeli researchers have discovered new biological markers that could make it possible to diagnose preeclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy disorder, even before symptoms appear, the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) said in a statement on Thursday.

Researchers from Technion examined placenta cells from women with preeclampsia. They found that the placenta cells of women with preeclampsia had changes in gene expression, which led to inflammation and other problems.

The researchers believe that these biological markers could be used to develop a blood test or other diagnostic tool that could detect preeclampsia early, before symptoms appear.

This would allow doctors to start treatment earlier and improve the chances of a healthy outcome for the mother and baby.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy, usually characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and severe swelling. When left unattended, preeclampsia can result in severe, and in some cases, fatal complications for both the mother and the baby.

Source: CGTN