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A new study found that cheek swabs accurately predicted preeclampsia in 13 out of 49 women who had just given birth. The results of this research could lead to early detection of preeclampsia in the first trimester. This could provide valuable time for health care providers to manage preeclampsia before it leads to a birth injury or other trauma. Learn more about the study and what it could mean for families.
Understanding the Dangers of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a complication that occurs during pregnancy most often characterized by restricted blood flow, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its symptoms include protein in the urine and dangerously high blood pressure.
Preeclampsia can be a medical emergency, according to Cleveland Clinic. It puts stress on the heart and other organs and can quickly lead to serious health problems.
While the exact causes of preeclampsia remain unknown, stress is likely to contribute to it.
In addition to the dangers presented by preeclampsia itself, when left untreated, the condition restricts blood flow to the placenta, and can lead to several birth injuries.
Some birth injuries related to preeclampsia include:
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
These conditions each have unique symptoms and causes, but preeclampsia is a common factor in many cases.
The ability to predict preeclampsia in the first trimester would potentially prevent health problems for many women, ensuring safer births in the future.
If your child was harmed at birth, you may be able to seek compensation for lifelong care. Find out now with a free case review.
Cheek Swabs Could Help Predict Preeclampsia Risk Early
In a study published in Environmental Epigenetics, researchers collected cheek cells from 49 women who had just given birth. Of those women, 13 had preeclampsia and a preterm birth.
Researchers analyzed the cheek cells for molecular factors that determine how genes behave — essentially looking for the subtle differences that can predict preeclampsia.
The analysis found 389 unique DNA changes in the 13 women with preeclampsia.
This simple test could allow doctors to identify at-risk mothers earlier and take steps to delay preterm birth.
“If we have a biomarker for the susceptibility of preeclampsia, then there are some clinical management practices in the first trimester and early second trimester that could delay a preterm birth.”
– Michael Skinner, study leader from Washington State University
A preterm birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. When this happens, it often leads to long-term health and developmental issues, including intellectual disabilities.
Preeclampsia causes about 8-10% of preterm births. These births often occur the earliest, leading to the most severe health and developmental issues.
What Are the Implications for the Future?
If the methods from this research gain widespread acceptance, diagnosing preeclampsia will be faster and easier than ever. Rather than using more complex methods, doctors will be able to detect preeclampsia with a cotton swab.
Preeclampsia is currently tested using:
- Blood pressure tests
- Blood tests
- Fetal ultrasound
- Urine analysis
Ultimately, if this test is approved, it will help doctors prevent preterm births, and vastly reduce health problems that stem from preeclampsia.
Get Help for Birth Injuries
Medical professionals must make efforts to detect risk factors like preeclampsia and act quickly to protect the health of the mother and baby. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.
If your child suffered a preventable birth injury, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with a network of experienced birth injury lawyers who are here to help. Compensation from a birth injury lawsuit can help pay for your child’s medical care and more.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to see if you may qualify for compensation.
