New Pregnancy Test Helps Women with Lupus

Lupus is a disease which can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Depending upon the symptomology exhibited, it may take up to a decade for someone living with Lupus to receive a proper diagnosis. Even then, symptoms can differ over the time, and sometimes a patient may be symptom free for long periods of time. Nevertheless, this disease may cause a host of debilitating health issues.

One factor which may exacerbate circumstances for women suffering with Lupus is pregnancy. Certain symptoms and physical ailments associated with Lupus can be dangerous for a woman going into labor.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology suggests that certain blood tests, administered to pregnant women suffering with Lupus, may be able to detect possible complications. These tests could help diagnose conditions including fetal growth issues and preeclampsia, and in turn may help prevent premature births. Test including the analysis of certain biomarkers, known as angiogenic factors, as early as 12 to 15 weeks into the pregnancy may help physicians and mothers take appropriate prophylactic measures to curtail the effects of Lupus during pregnancy.

Biomarker tests are proven to be relatively accurate, with almost 95 percent of women with normal biomarkers experiencing normal pregnancies. Dr. Roberto Romero, chief of Perinatology Research at the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, stated “. . . the simple measurement of these biomarkers can be highly reassuring to mothers, families and physicians.”

For more information about birth injuries and their legal implications, call Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari today. Contact us at 973-845-4421 to schedule a free consultation.

 

Source: WebMD

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