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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Circulating trace elements for the prediction of preeclampsia and small for gestational age babies
Daniel R McKeating1, Joshua J Fisher2, Teresa MacDonald3
1School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia.
Introduction:
Poor gestational outcomes due to placental insufficiency can have lifelong consequences for mother and child.
Objective:
There is a need for better methods of diagnosis, and elemental metabolomics may provide a means to determine the risk of gestational disorders.
Methods:
This study used blood plasma samples collected at 36 weeks' gestation from women who later developed preeclampsia (n = 38), or small-for-gestational age babies (n = 91), along with matched controls (n = 193). Multi-element analysis was conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), allowing simultaneous measurement of 28 elements.
Results:
Women who later developed PE, exhibited significantly increased concentrations of K, Rb and Ba. For SGA pregnancies, there was a significant increase in Cu and a decrease in As concentrations. Despite significant differences in single elements, the elemental profile of groups indicated no clustering of control, PE, or SGA samples. Positive predicative values correctly identified approximately 60% of SGA and 70% of PE samples.
Conclusion:
This is the first-time elemental metabolomics has been used to predict SGA and PE at 36 weeks. Though significant changes were identified, routine clinical use may be limited but may contribute to a multi marker test. Future analysis should include other biomarkers, metabolic data or clinical measurements made throughout gestation.
