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18/05/2016
In the final guidance, the NICE recommended two tests; the Triage PlGF test (Alere) and the Elecsys immunoassay sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (Roche Diagnostics), which could help rule out pre-eclampsia in women who are between their 20th and 35th week of pregnancy.
The tests detect changes in the blood that can mean the placenta is not developing properly.
The guidance only recommends the use of the tests to help rule-out pre-eclampsia. They have not been recommended to help doctors diagnose pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is caused when the placenta does not develop properly because of a reduced blood supply. Signs of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It is estimated that pre-eclampsia, and associated eclampsia, are the second leading cause of direct maternal deaths in the UK.
Dr Jenny Myers, specialist diagnostics assessment committee member, said: "At the moment women with suspected pre-eclampsia often have to come into hospital for 24 to 36 hours so we can make a diagnosis, but now, for women between 20th and 35th week of their pregnancy, these new tests may avoid the need for admission to hospital."
Professor Carole Longson, director of Centre for Health Technology at NICE, added: "Until now there have been no tests which doctors can use to confidently rule-out pre-eclampsia.
"This has meant women with suspected pre-eclampsia often need increased monitoring or have to stay in hospital. Apart from being inconvenient, this can increase anxiety at what might already be a stressful time.
"In recommending these tests the committee highlighted the importance of making sure laboratories explain to clinicians if a test result doesn't rule-out pre-eclampsia they should not automatically diagnose women with pre-eclampsia."
Welcoming the announcement, Louise Silverton, Royal College of Midwives (RCM) director for midwifery, said: "The RCM welcomes these tests as a way of rapidly diagnosing those women at risk of pre-eclampsia. These tests will not only identify those who do have the condition, but just as importantly those who don't, enabling them to receive care that is appropriate for them.
"While the understanding of the causation of pre-eclampsia is improving, there is still much to be learned as the only 'treatment' for severe cases is to expedite the birth of the baby, in many cases before the baby is fully mature.
"However, understanding which women are likely to develop pre-eclampsia could lead to better fetal surveillance and detection of those where placental insufficiency leads to impaired fetal growth and risk of stillbirth."
The guidance from NICE can be viewed here.
(JP/MH)
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New Tests To Rule Out Pre-Eclampsia Suggested
NICE has recommended that new blood tests should be carried out on pregnant women to help rule out pre-eclampsia.In the final guidance, the NICE recommended two tests; the Triage PlGF test (Alere) and the Elecsys immunoassay sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (Roche Diagnostics), which could help rule out pre-eclampsia in women who are between their 20th and 35th week of pregnancy.
The tests detect changes in the blood that can mean the placenta is not developing properly.
The guidance only recommends the use of the tests to help rule-out pre-eclampsia. They have not been recommended to help doctors diagnose pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is caused when the placenta does not develop properly because of a reduced blood supply. Signs of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It is estimated that pre-eclampsia, and associated eclampsia, are the second leading cause of direct maternal deaths in the UK.
Dr Jenny Myers, specialist diagnostics assessment committee member, said: "At the moment women with suspected pre-eclampsia often have to come into hospital for 24 to 36 hours so we can make a diagnosis, but now, for women between 20th and 35th week of their pregnancy, these new tests may avoid the need for admission to hospital."
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Professor Carole Longson, director of Centre for Health Technology at NICE, added: "Until now there have been no tests which doctors can use to confidently rule-out pre-eclampsia.
"This has meant women with suspected pre-eclampsia often need increased monitoring or have to stay in hospital. Apart from being inconvenient, this can increase anxiety at what might already be a stressful time.
"In recommending these tests the committee highlighted the importance of making sure laboratories explain to clinicians if a test result doesn't rule-out pre-eclampsia they should not automatically diagnose women with pre-eclampsia."
Welcoming the announcement, Louise Silverton, Royal College of Midwives (RCM) director for midwifery, said: "The RCM welcomes these tests as a way of rapidly diagnosing those women at risk of pre-eclampsia. These tests will not only identify those who do have the condition, but just as importantly those who don't, enabling them to receive care that is appropriate for them.
"While the understanding of the causation of pre-eclampsia is improving, there is still much to be learned as the only 'treatment' for severe cases is to expedite the birth of the baby, in many cases before the baby is fully mature.
"However, understanding which women are likely to develop pre-eclampsia could lead to better fetal surveillance and detection of those where placental insufficiency leads to impaired fetal growth and risk of stillbirth."
The guidance from NICE can be viewed here.
(JP/MH)
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