A novel screening algorithm for preeclampsia, integrating maternal history, ultrasound data, and blood marker tests, may significantly enhance the detection of preeclampsia cases in the first trimester of pregnancy, potentially leading to improved outcomes, according to a recent study published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal.
Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, poses serious health risks for both mothers and babies and is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. To address this challenge, researchers led by Dr. Emmanuel Bujold from the Université Laval in Québec City, Canada, developed a screening model aimed at predicting the risk of preeclampsia progression and preeclampsia-specific mortality.
The study, conducted between 2014 and 2020 across five health centers in Canada, enrolled 7,554 first-time pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Participants underwent screening for preeclampsia, which included assessments of maternal history, ultrasound data, and blood markers.
Key findings from the study include:
The screening model, utilizing the Fetal Medicine Foundation’s algorithm, demonstrated a 63.1% detection rate for preterm preeclampsia and a 77.3% detection rate for early preeclampsia.
Compared to the risk factor-based guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the screening model showed a lower false-positive rate and higher detection rates for preterm and early preeclampsia.
Individuals identified as high risk through the screening model were provided with personalized risk assessments, facilitating informed decision-making regarding preventative measures such as low-dose aspirin therapy.
Dr. Bujold emphasizes the potential of this screening model to improve patient outcomes by enabling early detection and intervention. By tailoring risk assessments to individual patients, healthcare providers can optimize preventive strategies and mitigate the risks associated with severe preeclampsia.
Despite the promising findings, the study acknowledges several limitations, including the exclusion of certain high-risk populations and logistical challenges associated with biomarker analysis. However, Dr. Bujold remains optimistic about the future implications of this research, advocating for the widespread implementation of personalized screening approaches to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes.
In response to the study, Dr. Sadiya S. Khan from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine underscores the importance of early risk prediction and intervention in improving maternal health outcomes. While challenges persist in implementing such screening models, Dr. Khan highlights the potential to address disparities and optimize heart health among pregnant individuals.
As the research continues to evolve, personalized screening approaches offer a promising avenue for early detection and prevention of preeclampsia, ultimately contributing to improved maternal and fetal well-being.
