It only takes 15 minutes to test the risk of pre-eclampsia

(study) found that women's blood tests to test protein levels help identify risks. Current diagnostic methods may take several days to confirm. This new test takes only 15 minutes and can be done on the bedside

Hundreds of children can be saved every year by getting rid of pre-eclampsia by a new blood test that takes only 15 minutes.

Researchers have found that it is highly accurate to test protein levels in pregnant women before 35 weeks in determining which women are at risk for pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is a symptom of high blood pressure in pregnancy, potentially fatal for pregnant women and their babies. The only solution is to remove the fetus by surgery.

The test identified 96% of women who would need to have a baby within 14 days, according to a study of 625 women who were about to be mothers.

Currently, high blood pressure and the presence of a protein called placental growth factor (PLGF - Placental growth factor) is used to diagnose preeclampsia.

However, both of these signs may be unreliable and take several days to determine - placing the woman and the fetus in a situation that requires more urgent and dangerous treatment. This new fast test costs about £ 40 and is the first of its kind.

The test can be done in a hospital bed and gives results in just 15 minutes.

Some NHS hospital hospitals offer tests, but Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London researchers plan a larger trial, to ensure the test will be applied. widely on NHS.

Professor Andrew Shennan, obstetric consultant at Guy's and St Thomas 'school, said: ' In the UK, about 1000 babies die each year from pre-eclampsia. With an accurate test, many of them could be saved. "

' Blood test of placental growth factor PLGF means that now we can decide whether to monitor the health of pregnant women in time to save the fetus early, or whether it is safe to wait. and allow the pregnancy process to continue or not '.

'Often in the UK, women do not die from pre-eclampsia, but many women can be at risk if the disease is not detected. These cases can be avoided if the severity of the condition is detected - so this test will save people 'lives.

Pre-eclampsia affects 1 in 10 women while severe pre-eclampsia affects 1 to 2 cases in 100 women.

Pre-eclampsia leads to fluid accumulation in tissues, starting with swollen hands and feet. If left untreated, it can lead to convulsions, a very dangerous condition that causes a blockage due to anemia to the brain.

Photo: hercaribbean.com

The study was published in American Heart Association journal Circulation. The co-author of the study, Dr. Lucy Chappell, a lecturer at King's College London, said: 'The PLGF test will allow us to identify women who need to watch more closely, which will help care. Better for women who need more care. '

'This study is changing the way we work and making a difference for thousands of women and children who may be affected by pre-eclampsia. It is a great development. '

Although some NHS hospitals are using this test, the test still needs further testing on 800 women to ensure that it is accepted for widespread use.

The test will be used with a diagnostic goal for pregnant women who have experienced signs after about 20 weeks of pregnancy, she added.

According to Dr. Chappell, the £ 40 price seems to be reduced by pooling and is 'much lower' than emergency treatments for women.

Ann Marie Barnard of Action On Pre-eclampsia said: 'A study on our members showed that they clearly wanted a diagnostic test in advance because many women were afraid of resuming. pregnant after experiencing pre-eclampsia with tragic consequences'.