‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.

‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.

Professor Dr.Geoff Sussman holds a position in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University, and is the Adjunct Professor of Wound Care He is a wound consultant at the Wound Clinic Austin Hospital.

Biointelect Venturer has announced six Australian infectious disease innovations will share $10.48 million in the incubator’s first funding round giving the successful research teams the ability to advance their early-stage breakthroughs to commercial and investment readiness.