Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Study protocol: establishment of a multicentre pre-eclampsia database and biobank in Sweden: GO PROVE and UP MOST, a
Lilja Thorgeirsdottir1, Malin Andersson2, Ove Karlsson2
1Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden.
Insights
This study establishes a multicenter database and biobank for pre-eclampsia to enable personalized treatment and improve maternal care. It aims to phenotype subtypes, assess organ function, and understand patient experiences for better prediction and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally.
- Current methods for objective assessment of organ function and prediction of impairment in pre-eclampsia are lacking.
- Detailed studies on the experiences of women and partners affected by pre-eclampsia are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a multicenter database and biobank for pre-eclampsia research.
- To facilitate phenotyping of pre-eclampsia subtypes for improved prediction, prevention, surveillance, treatment, and follow-up.
- To enhance individualized treatment and care for pregnant women with pre-eclampsia.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter cohort study recruiting pregnant women (≥18 years) with pre-eclampsia and normotensive controls.
- Prospective collection of biosamples for biobanking and organ-specific evaluations at inclusion and 1-year follow-up.
- Distribution of questionnaires and interviews to assess women's and partners' experiences at follow-up.
Main Results:
- The study will provide a comprehensive dataset and biobank for exploring pre-eclampsia.
- It will enable clinical and laboratory discoveries for translation into clinical trials.
- Evaluation of experiences and psychological impact will inform improved care strategies.
Conclusions:
- The established database and biobank will advance understanding of pre-eclampsia.
- This resource will support the development of safer, individualized treatments.
- Incorporating patient experiences will enhance holistic care for pregnant women and their partners.
Introduction:
Pre-eclampsia, a multisystem disorder in pregnancy, is one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, we lack methods for objective assessment of organ function in pre-eclampsia and predictors of organ impairment during and after pre-eclampsia. The women's and their partners' experiences of pre-eclampsia have not been studied in detail. To phenotype different subtypes of the disorder is of importance for prediction, prevention, surveillance, treatment and follow-up of pre-eclampsia.The aim of this study is to set up a multicentre database and biobank for pre-eclampsia in order to contribute to a safer and more individualised treatment and care.
Methods And Analysis:
This is a multicentre cohort study. Prospectively recruited pregnant women ≥18 years, diagnosed with pre-eclampsia presenting at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Uppsala University Hospital and at Södra Älvsborgs Hospital, Sweden, as well as normotensive controls are eligible for participation. At inclusion and at 1-year follow-up, the participants donate biosamples that are stored in a biobank and they are also asked to participate in various organ-specific evaluations. In addition, questionnaires and interviews regarding the women's and partner's experiences are distributed at follow-up.
Ethics And Dissemination:
By creating a database and biobank, we will provide the means to explore the disorder in a broader sense and allow clinical and laboratory discoveries that can be translated to clinical trials aiming at improved care of women with pre-eclampsia. Further, to evaluate experiences and the psychological impact of being affected by pre-eclampsia can improve the care of pregnant women and their partners. In case of incidental pathological findings during examinations performed, they will be handled in accordance with clinical routine. Data are stored in a secure online database. Biobank samples are identified through the women's personal identification number and pseudonymised after identification in the biobank before analysis.This study was approved by the regional ethical review board in Gothenburg on 28 December 2018 (approval number 955-18) and by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 27 February 2019 (approval number 2019-00309).Results from the study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Trial Registration Number:
ISRCTN13060768.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
01:20Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.