Revolutionizing Preeclampsia Prediction: A New Blood Test for Early Detection Introduction

By Meredith Delp - DO

Meredith Delp VF Headshot

 

Written by:

Meredith Delp, DO, AccessNurse Women’s Health Medical Director

 

 

A groundbreaking blood test for predicting severe preeclampsia has recently been approved by the FDA, marking a significant advancement in maternal-fetal medicine. Developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific and spearheaded by research at the University of Chicago, this test promises to improve outcomes for pregnant women by enabling earlier and more accurate detection of preeclampsia.

Overview of the New Blood Test

The new blood test targets women between the 23rd and 35th weeks of pregnancy, utilizing biomarkers sFlt1 and PlGF to predict the likelihood of developing severe preeclampsia. These biomarkers provide a more accurate prediction compared to traditional methods, which primarily rely on blood pressure and protein levels in urine.

Research and FDA Approval

The journey to FDA approval involved over a decade of research led by Dr. Sarosh Rana at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The pivotal study, published in NEJM Evidence, demonstrated the test’s high predictive accuracy and its potential to significantly enhance clinical decision-making in prenatal care​ (University of Chicago News)​​ (MedXpress)​.

Clinical Application and Benefits

This test can be seamlessly integrated into existing clinical workflows, offering several benefits:

Addressing Health Disparities

Preeclampsia disproportionately affects Black women, who face higher rates of complications and mortality. The new blood test offers a promising tool to address these disparities by providing earlier and more accurate diagnoses, thereby improving management and outcomes for high-risk groups​ (MedXpress)​​.

Future Directions and Ongoing Research

Future research aims to further validate the test’s efficacy and explore its broader applications in prenatal care. Studies are ongoing to examine the real-world impact of this biomarker-based approach and to develop therapies based on angiogenic proteins.

These efforts are expected to pave the way for integrating this test into standard prenatal care practices, ultimately enhancing maternal health outcomes.

Conclusion

The approval of this new blood test marks a pivotal moment in the fight against preeclampsia. By enabling early and accurate prediction, it empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions, potentially saving lives and improving maternal-fetal health. As we look to the future, integrating this test into clinical practice could revolutionize the management of high risk pregnancies.

AccessNurse Is Here to Help

At AccessNurse, we are committed to providing excellent service and nurse advice  to Women’s Health providers and their patients through our specialized Women’s Health Program. Our 24/7 nurse triage services can help identify patients who may be having symptoms of preeclampsia, ensuring timely intervention and optimal outcomes.

To learn more about the specialized training our Women’s Health nurses receive and how we support Women’s Health providers contact Jeanne Griffin:

With 11 years of experience in the OBGYN field, Dr. Delp, has been both a dedicated provider and a skilled Site Director. Dr. Delp is actively involved in the medical community and is a proud member of the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, contributing to industry advancement.

RELATED POSTS

dr delp womens health medical director
Join Us In Welcoming Dr. Meredith Delp as Our New Women’s Health Medical Director

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Meredith Delp has accepted our Women’s Health Medical Director position. This role was created to support the incredible growth in our Women’s Health nurse triage program. With 11 years of experience in the OBGYN field, Dr. Delp, has been both a dedicated provider and a skilled Site Director. Currently serving as the Facility Medical Director at TeamHealth, our parent company, she brings a wealth of expertise to our Women’s Health nurse triage program. At AccessNurse, Dr. Delp will take a proactive approach, providing medical oversight for all aspects of our Women’s Health program’s continuous improvement, collaborating with our clinical management staff and clients to ensure high-quality nurse triage. Dr. Delp is actively involved […]

Doctor Looking at Tests with Female Patient with Ultrasound Equipment
Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Growing OBGYN Physician Shortage in the USA

  Written by: Meredith Delp, DO, AccessNurse Women’s Health Medical Director     The United States is currently facing a significant and growing shortage of OBGYN physicians, a trend that poses a considerable threat to women’s healthcare across the nation.  This shortage is not just a temporary challenge; it’s expected to deepen, affecting more organizations and more lives. The Growing Shortage of OBGYN Physicians Recent reports indicate a concerning decline in the number of practicing OBGYNs. Factors contributing to this include an aging workforce, burnout, and fewer medical students choosing the OBGYN specialty. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) projects a potential shortfall of up to 22,000 OBGYN doctors by 2050. The impact is profound. Many regions, particularly […]

The Dollars and Sense of Outsourcing Nurse Triage: A Study on Savings

Overview It’s no secret that today’s health systems and providers are under increasing pressure to control costs. In a post-COVID environment, hospitals and other patient care facilities are still trying to recover from the billions of dollars in lost revenue coupled with current increased operating expenses. In fact, more than 33% of hospitals are operating on negative margins. Our study revealed that one of the most promising avenues for cost savings lies in outsourcing nurse triage during periods of low call volume, with the most rapid financial benefits being realized during the third shift when nurse services aren’t in high demand.