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23/07/2015

Test To Predict Women At Risk Of Pre-Eclampsia Revealed

A new study has revealed that levels of biomarkers in the blood of a pregnant woman can be used to predict if she is at risk of pre-eclampsia.

The research, which has been published in BJOG, discovered that levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine (Hcy), which are known to be higher in women with pre-eclampsia, are present in the blood in a higher concentration than normal a month before the onset of the condition.

Those behind the study, looked at a number of potential biomarkers. Of the 252 women involved in the project, 49 who went on to develop pre-eclampsia had increased levels of ADMA and Hcy a month before onset.

Mardia López-Alarcón, study leader, explained: "While for most of the women we tested the levels of ADMA and Hcy remained constant throughout pregnancy, these serum biomarkers were clearly raised a month before onset in women who went on to develop pre-eclampsia.

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"Of the other factors we tested, obesity and low levels of folic acid at the start of the pregnancy (all the mothers received folic acid supplementation) were also independently linked to pre-eclampsia."

Commenting on the findings, Mervi Jokinen, Practice and Standards Professional Advisor, Royal College of Midwives, added: "This is interesting research on a common condition in pregnancy, which is usually easily treated and managed. However, it does need to be taken very seriously because in its severe form pre-eclampsia can have serious and harmful effects on the mother and baby.

"Early identification of those women who may be predisposed to it could be valuable. This is a small but encouraging study and more research is needed. Other issues like timing and cost-effectiveness of universal screening also need to be looked at addressed.

"Midwives work in partnership with women and being able to give the relevant information will encourage women to be more vigilant for any signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia and contact their midwife early for further assessment."

The full study can be read here.

(JP)

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"A new study has revealed that levels of biomarkers in the blood of a pregnant woman can be used to predict if she is at risk of pre-eclampsia."