FDA Approves Breakthrough Blood Test to Predict Preeclampsia in Pregnancy
The FDA has recently granted approval to the first and only blood test in the United States designed to predict preeclampsia in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects blood pressure and organ function in pregnant women. This breakthrough test measures the levels of two proteins associated with severe cases of preeclampsia and can predict with an impressive 94 percent accuracy whether a pregnant individual will develop severe preeclampsia within the next two weeks.
To be eligible for the test, pregnant individuals must have already been diagnosed with or show signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can vary in severity, with potential complications including seizures, pre-term birth, and injury or fatality to both the mother and the baby. However, early detection and intervention can prevent preeclampsia from becoming severe, highlighting the importance of this new blood test.
Typically, women at an elevated risk of developing preeclampsia are advised to take low-dose aspirin throughout their pregnancy. The recently approved test is currently authorized for use in pregnant individuals between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation within the United States. However, efforts are underway to expand its utilization during earlier stages of pregnancy as well.
While the test itself is a significant advancement in prenatal care, doctors also consider other factors such as blood pressure and additional symptoms to inform their decisions about the need for testing, hospitalization, or prompt delivery. Risk factors for preeclampsia include a history of previous occurrences, being overweight, advanced maternal age, and certain medical conditions.
Moreover, it is vital to address the racial inequities observed in maternal mortality rates. Black women are 60 percent more likely to develop preeclampsia compared to other races, and this contributes to the disparities in healthcare outcomes. Tackling systemic issues within the healthcare system is essential to ensuring equal care and improved outcomes for people of color.
In conclusion, the FDA’s approval of the first blood test to predict preeclampsia is a significant milestone in improving prenatal care. This breakthrough test provides pregnant individuals and healthcare professionals with valuable insights to detect and manage preeclampsia at an earlier stage. With continued efforts to expand its usage and address healthcare disparities, this test has the potential to save lives and enhance the well-being of pregnant individuals and their babies.