from the "pregnancy meeting"

[ozierja]

This is getting publicity, at least in the "lab medicine" world.

Urine test may help clinicians diagnose preeclampsia.
Medscape (2/9, Larson) reported, "In the United States, the lack of an effective test makes it difficult to distinguish mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and hypertension unrelated to pregnancy," Yale researchers explained. "Preeclampsia is distinguished by an elevated excretion of misfolded, or misshapen, proteins that are attracted to an azo dye called Congo red." With that in mind, investigators were able to "create and confirm a Congo Red Dot urine test" that "rapidly predicts and diagnoses preeclampsia."



With a quote from Eleni:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/716741

[aundapenner]

Wow. Great news!

[l412angel]

So what does this mean? Should we take this to the doctor with us during next pregnancies?

[caryn]

Nothing yet. :)

There are a lot of tests in development -- the trick is to get data showing that the predictive value of the tests outweighs any harm they might cause. The only harm anyone can think of is that a test that moves us to additional close monitoring might mean that some women are picked up falsely, and then their babies might be delivered early if the predictive test results in overreaction at one high pressure reading, and then the Caesarean rate or the preterm delivery rate rises.

So they have to move them to human trials next. Generally this is probably going to involve women with a history of preeclampsia -- sign up for trials and help advance science! -- and it will take years before any test becomes standard of care.

It's very exciting to see that they're able to start to move on these tests.

[l412angel]

Yes it is exciting! Heck ill sign up! Means ill be watched suuuuupppperrr close!

[ozierja]

It is also exciting because Congo red dye is a commonly used agent and is amazing how something so simple could aid in prediction. Buuuuut yep, still have a long way to go.