Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has entered into a global licensing agreement with Nephromics to develop two assays to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, a condition that is potentially life-threatening and occurs during pregnancy affecting both the mother and the unborn child. The assays are being developed for the detection of two biomarkers, soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 (SFLT-1) and placental growth factor (PLGF), which clinical studies have shown to provide early identification of patients with pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is a rapidly progressive condition characterised by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It affects at least 5–8% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia may experience swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.
Currently, the standard methodologies for screening at-risk women are routine blood pressure monitoring and testing for protein in the urine during prenatal visits. Unfortunately, with these methods, pre-eclampsia is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when there are
limited treatment options.
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