Abstract DP104: Biomarkers of Neuronal Injury in Preeclampsia: Implications for Chronic Brain Health

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PreE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation. While broadly characterized by hypertension (HTN), systemic inflammation, and end-organ injury, PreE varies in severity and presentation, and its impact on maternal brain health remains unclear. Small studies show increased neuronal injury biomarkers in women with PreE, suggesting potential neuronal damage. This study evaluated serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of axonal injury, and phosphorylated tau-217 (ptau217), a marker elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), to assess brain injury in PreE. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that neuronal injury occurs during PreE and that NfL and ptau217 would be elevated. Methods: A cohort of 184 pregnant patients (32 ± 6 y) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected between 18–40 weeks of gestation. PreE patients (N=85) were compared to non-PreE controls (N=99). Serum concentrations of NfL and ptau217 were measured by ELISA and analyzed by PreE status. Results: NfL was elevated in PreE patients during both the 2nd trimester (p