blood test shows risk of preeclampsia”>Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder that can lead to serious complications for the pregnant woman and the fetus if left untreated.
5-10% of pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia, a condition which is a leading cause of maternal death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as reported by newsbomb.gr.
According to research presented at the American Society of Anesthesiology’s 2024 annual conference, a simple blood test can help doctors identify women in labor who are at risk of preeclampsia so they can take precautions to prevent it. While preeclampsia can develop as early as the 20th week of pregnancy, this particular study focused on identifying women who were at risk of preeclampsia when they were admitted to the hospital during labor.
The researchers analyzed the records of 2,629 women who gave birth between 2018 and 2024. Of these, 1,819 did not have preeclampsia, 584 had preeclampsia with mild symptoms, and 226 had preeclampsia with severe symptoms. The research found that doctors can predict a woman’s risk of developing preeclampsia by calculating the ratio of two blood proteins, fibrinogen and albumin (or albumin), through routine blood tests. Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting and inflammation, while albumin helps maintain fluid balance and transports hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body. Both may be disturbed with preeclampsia: fibrinogen may be elevated, albumin may be decreased, or both.
As found, women who had a higher fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) were more likely to develop preeclampsia than those who had a lower FAR. Specifically, the predicted probability of developing preeclampsia of any grade was 24% for patients with an FAR of at least 0.1 at hospital admission and increased to more than 41% when this value was above 0.3. However, the researchers point out that additional research is needed to determine the exact FAR range that would be considered a concern.
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Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Maternal Health Specialist
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. Preeclampsia is a pressing issue in maternal health. Can you explain what makes it such a serious condition during pregnancy?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the fetus if not managed properly. We see it in about 5-10% of pregnancies, and it’s one of the leading causes of maternal death.
Editor: That statistic is alarming. Recent research suggests that a simple blood test can help identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia. Can you elaborate on how this works?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, the recent study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiology’s annual conference focused on measuring the ratio of two specific blood proteins—fibrinogen and albumin. By analyzing this ratio through routine blood tests when a woman is admitted in labor, doctors can better predict her risk for developing preeclampsia. Early identification is crucial because it allows healthcare providers to implement monitoring and treatment strategies that can prevent severe complications.
Editor: That sounds like a significant advancement. How has this research impacted the management of pregnancies at risk for preeclampsia?
Dr. Thompson: This research offers a promising tool for early intervention. By being proactive, we can closely monitor women at higher risk during labor and potentially start treatments that can lead to better outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It emphasizes the importance of routine testing and vigilance in prenatal care.
Editor: What can expectant mothers do to stay informed about the risks of preeclampsia and advocate for better care?
Dr. Thompson: Knowledge is power. Expectant mothers should communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their health history and any symptoms they may experience. Regular prenatal visits are essential, and women should feel empowered to ask about testing and monitoring for conditions like preeclampsia.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable for both healthcare professionals and expectant mothers.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue to raise awareness about preeclampsia and ensure better health outcomes for all pregnant women.
Editor: That’s a significant advancement in preventing complications. What are the specific thresholds in the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio that indicate a higher risk for preeclampsia?
Dr. Thompson: The research found that a higher fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. Specifically, a FAR of at least 0.1 suggests a 24% chance of developing the condition, and this risk jumps to over 41% if the ratio exceeds 0.3. However, it’s important to note that further studies are needed to pinpoint the exact FAR cutoffs that would be considered concerning.
Editor: These findings could revolutionize how we approach care during labor. What steps should hospitals implement to take advantage of this research?
Dr. Thompson: Hospitals should integrate routine blood tests during admission for labor, focusing on the fibrinogen and albumin levels. Education and training for healthcare staff on interpreting these results and understanding their implications for preeclampsia risk will also be key. With proper awareness, we can significantly improve outcomes for expectant mothers and their babies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for shedding light on this critical topic. It’s encouraging to see research paving the way for improved maternal healthcare.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue the conversation around maternal health and find ways to reduce risks for all women.