We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




New Test Predicts Risk of Preterm Birth

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Jun 2018
A test has been developed to predict a woman's risk of preterm birth when she is between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant, which may enable doctors to treat them early and prevent severe complications later in the pregnancy.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under five in the USA, and rates are increasing both in the USA, and around the world. More...
It is often associated with inflammation and has many potential causes, including an acute infection in the mother, exposure to environmental toxins, or chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Collaborating scientists from different institutions working with the University of California - San Francisco (San Francisco, CA, USA) built a comprehensive test that would capture both spontaneous preterm births, which occurs when the amniotic sac breaks or contractions begin spontaneously, and “indicated” preterm birth, in which a physician induces labor or performs a cesarean section because the health of the mother or baby is in jeopardy. The scientists also wanted to be able to identify risk for preeclampsia, which is not included in current tests for preterm birth.

The study included 400 women with singleton deliveries in California in 2009–2010 (200 preterm births PTB and 200 full term) divided into training and testing samples at a 2:1 ratio. Sixty-three markers were tested in 15 to 20 serum samples using multiplex technology. The new test screens for 25 biomarkers of inflammation and immune system activation, as well as for levels of proteins that are important for placenta development.

Combined with information on other risk factors, such as the mother's age and income, the test can predict whether a woman is at risk for preterm birth with more than 80% accuracy. In the highest risk pregnancies, preterm births occurring before 32 weeks or in women with preeclampsia, a potentially fatal pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure in the mother, the test predicted nearly 90% of cases.

Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, PhD, an associate professor of epidemiology and first author of the study, said, “There are multifactorial causes of preterm birth, and that's why we felt like we needed to build a model that took into account multiple biological pathways. The model works especially well for early preterm births and preeclampsia, which suggests that we're effectively capturing severe types of preterm birth.” The study was published on May 24, 2018, in the Journal of Perinatology.

Related Links:
University of California - San Francisco


New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Modular Hemostasis Automation Solution
CN Track
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.