SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – One of the top three causes of maternal death around the world may soon become a thing of the past.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Now, research scientists at Stanford Medical School have discovered a biomarker in the blood and urine of women that would enable them to predict preeclampsia.
The dangerous pregnancy complication is most commonly recognized by high blood pressure late in pregnancy.
The new finding could be a low-cost game changer in predicting preeclampsia in pregnant women by their first trimester – unheard of before now.
"We were interested to identify biological signals that could provide an early warning system for preeclampsia," said Dr. Ivana Maric, a senior research scientist in pediatrics at Stanford medical school and co-lead author of the study, published on Friday.
Preeclampsia affects 3% to 5% of pregnancies in the United States and up to 8% of pregnancies in the world, according to a Stanford Medicine article.
Before now, the condition was only able to be detected in the second half of a woman's pregnancy. The condition can lead to eclampsia, which can cause seizures, strokes, organ, damage, or death.
The only way to treat the issue is to deliver the baby, which can result in premature birth.
But with this new biomarker, testing with a simple urine or blood test can happen earlier in the pregnancy.
"With this, we can point out to high-risk pregnancies early on so they can be closely monitored pregnancy," said Maric.
This new finding could have a double benefit – with a decrease in preeclampsia there will also likely be fewer preterm births according to Maric.
"We think that this can really improve the prenatal care," she said. "We are very excited about it."
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
