A test that checks the level of a protein in the placenta could help to predict pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, researchers revealed last night.
The test, which measures the protein placental growth factor (PlGF), differentiates between pregnant women who have high blood pressure and those who have pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious form of high blood pressure in pregnancy that can damage the kidneys, liver and brain and lead to foetal complications.
Dr Lucy Chappell, clinical senior lecturer in Obstetrics at King’s College in London, England, said: “Current tests for the condition only detect that it’s happening, rather than predicting it, and by that time the disease has progressed and has likely already caused organ damage.
“The test identifies women at high risk for developing pre-eclampsia, so doctors can better monitor and treat the blood pressure. It also prevents unnecessary hospitalisations of those who are not likely to develop pre-eclampsia.”
The study, published in the latest edition of Circulation, involved 625 patients from across the UK, 61% of whom developed pre-eclampsia.
Women with low levels of the protein placental growth factor (PlGF) developed pre-eclampsia. If protein levels were less than 100 pg/mL at under 35 weeks of pregnancy, the baby was likely to be delivered within 14 days, according to the research.
In a normal pregnancy, the level of placental growth factor is 100-3,000 pg/mL and does not decrease.
“I would propose that further assessment of PlGF should be undertaken to measure the impact of changing diagnostic and treatment decisions on the health of mother and baby,” Chappell said.
Chappell L et al. New test may predict severe high blood pressure during pregnancy. Circulation. November 2013. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.003215
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