NORTH-East women are being asked to take part in a study into one of the major causes of death among babies and pregnant women.

Researchers are recruiting women at 22 hospitals across the UK, includingthe Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, to discover whether vitamins could prevent them developing pre-eclampsia.

In what is thought to be the biggest trial of its kind in Britain, the baby charity Tommy's hopes to find out more about the condition, which can prove fatal for both mother and child.

Professor Steven Robson, consultant in foetal medicine at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, is one of the experts leading the research.

The study will give women who are at high risk of pre-eclampsia vitamin supplements in an attempt to stop them developing the condition.

Pre-eclampsia affects up to 25,000 pregnant women in Britain each year. It causes blood pressure to rise to dangerously high levels. Life-threatening problems can follow very quickly and delivery of the baby is the only cure.

In 2001, pre-eclampsia killed 50 babies in England and Wales, and another 119 were stillborn.

The symptoms of pre-eclampsia have been linked to the production of toxic molecules, called free radicals, by the placenta.

It is thought that antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can mop up these free radicals.

In the study, 2,400 expectant mothers who have high blood pressure, kidney problems, clotting disorders or diabetes will be given extra reserves of the vitamin supplements.

The £1.3m two-year study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, also aims to make sure giving mothers-to-be the extra vitamins does not harm their babies.

An initial study indicated that taking the vitamins early in pregnancy halved rates of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women.

For further information, or to take part in the study, telephone the research team on 020 7960 5887.