Biochemistry and molecular science
Biochemistry and molecular science
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. Molecular biology is at the core of biochemistry and provides a molecular understanding of these biological processes in the body. Pregnancy loss research is focused on establishing pregnancy specific reference ranges for all biochemical tests to ensure bespoke reference values are available for use throughout pregnancy. Current and new biomarkers are evaluated with a view to improving obstetric management and clinical outcomes.
Our research in this area
- Bile acids
- C-reactive protein
- D-dimers
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
- Placental growth factor
- Procalcitonin
- Thyroid function tests
Key publications
| Category | Category | Keywords | Year | Title | Abstract | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Proof-of-concept study: Remote capillary blood collection for hCG analysis in early pregnancy |
More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2022 |
Advances in the diagnosis and early management of gestational trophoblastic disease |
Early identification of women with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease is paramount as this disorder is highly curable. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2021 |
Reference values for C-reactive protein and procalcitonin at term pregnancy and in the early postnatal period |
Variability of C-reactive protein limits its clinical utility in the assessment of sepsis but procalcitonin may serve as a valuable biomarker to help rule out infection in pregnancy and postpartum. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2021 |
Authors’ reply to ‘Is there a role for C-reactive protein during and after labour?’ |
Establishment of reference values for pregnant women is dependent on the use of strict exclusion criteria. Variability in analytical methods can affect the commutability of reference values between laboratories. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2021 |
A comparative study of two immunoassays of maternal placental growth factor |
A secondary subgroup analysis of placental growth factor levels in women with dichorionic twin pregnancy demonstrated poor concordance between two immunoassays. This highlights the importance of developing validated clinical cut-offs for automated immunoassay. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2021 |
A prospective study of placental growth factor in twin pregnancy and development of a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range |
Placental growth factor (PlGF) levels in dichorionic twin pregnancy differ significantly between women that will later develop pre-eclampsia and those that will not. This study provides specific reference ranges for PlGF in twin pregnancy. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Experience | 2020 |
An exploration of women's experience of taking part in a randomized controlled trial of a diagnostic test during pregnancy: A qualitative study |
Women are generally interested and positively inclined to participate in research during pregnancy. The potential of risk is an important consideration. Information and support by both researchers and clinicians are paramount in aiding women's understanding of a research trial. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2016 |
Perinatal determinants of D-dimer levels in a cross-sectional study of low risk pregnant women |
There are some significant differences in D-dimer levels when certain perinatal determinants are examined. This work supports previously published recommended D-dimer levels for the diagnosis of VTE in pregnancy. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2014 |
Gestation-specific D-dimer reference ranges: a cross-sectional study |
We found that there is a continuous increase in D-dimer concentrations across all gestations. This research is potentially beneficial to future diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy using the new recommended 95th centile potential cut-offs. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2014 |
Establishing trimester-specific maternal thyroid function reference intervals |
This prospective study established trimester-specific thyroid function test reference intervals for pregnant women without thyroid disorders for use in clinical practice. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2018 |
Placental growth factor: A review of literature and future applications |
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is highly expressed during pregnancy and correlates well with placental function. Quantification of PlGF and its specific receptors may have utility as a diagnostic marker of placental disease or as an indicator of adverse pregnancy outcomes. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Pregnancy loss | 2013 |
Prevalence of subclinical and undiagnosed overt hypothyroidism in a pregnancy loss clinic |
Subclinical and overt hypothyroidism may be a factor in unexplained pregnancy loss. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2012 |
Maternal serum cholesterol levels are elevated from the 1st trimester of pregnancy: A cross-sectional study |
Use of pregnancy-specific reference ranges for cholesterol allows the early detection of maternal hypercholesterolaemia and may identify those at risk of cardiovascular disease. | More details Read publication | |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | 2012 |
Reference standard for serum bile acids in pregnancy |
Serum bile acids do not change significantly during gestation in uncomplicated pregnancies and a single reference range can be used throughout pregnancy. | More details Read publication |
Our people
- Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
- Dr Deirdre Hayes Ryan
- Dr Caroline Joyce