The scientific challenges surrounding preeclampsia
are plentiful, and include not only questions
on etiology and heterogeneity. We need better insight
into pathophysiological mechanisms. The kynurenine
finding described above can be helpful in this respect.
We also need to find biomarkers and other characteristics
during pregnancy that can predict the development
of the disease. That will help clinical management.
Another line of research is related to the consequences
of pre-eclampsia for the mother. There is now a large
interest in the association between pre-eclampsia and
later cardiovascular disease in the mother. As women
with and without pre-eclampsia are followed up,
MoBa will assemble data that can shed light on this
association. Children exposed to pre-eclampsia in
utero should also be followed closely to detect any
long-term consequences. MoBa will continue to provide
data that will help resolve causes, mechanisms
and consequences of pre-eclampsia.