Placental malaria: Hypertension, VEGF, and prolactin
2007

Placental Malaria and Hypertension in First-Time Mothers

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Roy Douglas Pearson

Primary Institution: University of Toronto, Gerstein Science Information Centre

Hypothesis

Is prolactin playing a role in placental malaria?

Conclusion

Placental malaria is associated with hypertension in first-time mothers, suggesting a maternal-fetal conflict involving the VEGF pathway.

Supporting Evidence

  • Placental malaria is linked to hypertension in first-time mothers.
  • The VEGF pathway may be involved in the maternal-fetal conflict during placental malaria.
  • Prolactin might play a role in hypertension related to placental malaria.

Takeaway

This study found that mothers having their first baby and suffering from placental malaria may also have high blood pressure, which could be linked to a conflict between the mother and baby.

Participant Demographics

First-time mothers aged 18–20 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0040141

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