Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods of using proteomic biomarkers to diagnose preeclampsia. In some aspects the invention, in part, relates to the detection of serpina-1 polypeptide and/or albumin polypeptide in samples from pregnant subjects. Samples from subjects may be compared to control samples to diagnose preeclampsia and/or to determine the onset, progression, or regression of preeclampsia in a subject. The invention also relates, in part, to screening methods to identify agents that can be used to treat preeclampsia and to determine the efficacy of a preeclampsia treatment. The invention, in part, also includes kits that are useful to diagnose and assess preeclampsia in a subject.

Abstract: Assessing fetal health and maturity, and the integrity and health of the amnion, is effected via protein profiling of vaginal fluid, thereby to identify various abnormal conditions during pregnancy. This approach also provides a means for gauging the duration and/or magnitude of intraamniotic/fetal inflammation that occurs during pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: Biomarkers have been discovered that are capable of identifying intra-amniotic inflammation. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers can be used to qualify the risk of preterm delivery in a patient, provided that at least one of the biomarkers is a calgranulin, preferably calgranulin A or C. The result is a rapid and reliable proteotmic approach to identifying intra-amniotic inflammation. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of intra-amniotic inflammation and, hence, of preterm delivery.

Abstract: Through determination of the presence or absence of proteomic biomarkers within an amniotic environment, the present invention provides for the identification of the condition(s) within the amniotic environment and allows for predictive indication of the success of a pregnancy under the condition(s) and courses of treatment for the condition(s). The present invention further allows for a predictive indication of the success of a cerclage procedure performed on a cervix which supports the amniotic environment under the condition(s).

Abstract: The usage of compounds that improve fetal and neonatal outcome of preterm birth is described. These compounds are scavengers of ROS, their precursors, and agents that induce production of the scavengers. Examples of these compounds are glutathione, NAC, antioxidants, and spin trapping compounds. These compounds improve fetal outcome by inhibiting a fetal inflammatory process that may affect the fetus independently of prematurity. This fetal inflammatory response is characterized by increased cytokine and matrix metalloproteases (MMP) levels both in the mother and fetus and may be modulated by ROS at different levels. Targeting ROS formation with compounds such as specific antioxidants, glutathione or spin trapping compounds, their precursors, and/or agents which induce their production will suppress both the direct effects of ROS and its indirect effects through cytokines and MMPs already circulating in the system.

Abstract: Biomarkers capable of identifying subjects at risk for preterm complications, such as preterm parturition are disclosed, as well as methods and kits for detecting such biomarkers to identify at risk subjects. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers comprising a defensin, BPI, calprotectin, or a calgranulin are used to qualify the risk of preterm complications in a subject. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of preterm complications and can diagnose or prognose specific preterm complications, such as preterm parturition, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), intra-amniotic inflammation, and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC).

Abstract: The usage of compounds that improve fetal and neonatal outcome of preterm birth is described. These compounds are scavengers of ROS, their precursors, and agents that induce production of the scavengers. Examples of these compounds are glutathione, NAC, antioxidants, and spin trapping compounds. These compounds improve fetal outcome by inhibiting a fetal inflammatory process that may affect the fetus independently of prematurity. This fetal inflammatory response is characterized by increased cytokine and matrix metalloproteases (MMP) levels both in the mother and fetus and may be modulated by ROS at different levels. Targeting ROS formation with compounds such as specific antioxidants, glutathione or spin trapping compounds, their precursors, and/or agents which induce their production will suppress both the direct effects of ROS and its indirect effects through cytokines and MMPs already circulating in the system.