FDA Approves Blood Test That Predicts Imminent Pre-eclampsia

The first-of-its kind test may identify which pregnant women will develop the dangerous form of high blood pressure

Pre-eclampsia, which is characterized as a sudden spike in blood pressure, was first diagnosed in pregnant women over a century ago.

This week, regulators finally approved a test that might help determine which women will go on to develop the life-threatening condition within the next two weeks. The blood test, which measures the ratio of two proteins produced by the placenta, has been hailed as a groundbreaking diagnostics tool by ob/gyn specialists.

But to what extent the test will help save lives is not clear, because there is no effective treatment for pre-eclampsia. The condition usually ebbs after birth.

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide, with black women three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It may have contributed to the recent death of Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie, who died in May.

Preeclampsia affects approximately 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S, and those who experience it have an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

To read more abut this test, check out the entire New York Times story.