Researchers are to trial a ground-breaking screening test for pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Researchers from the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Nottingham are part of the Screen and Treat with Aspirin to Reduce Pre-eclampsia (STARshiP) study, led by researchers from Saint Mary’s Managed Clinical Service, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), in collaboration with The University of Manchester.
The STARshiP study of 200,000 women and their babies represents one of the largest endeavours in pregnancy screening research.
Marcus Green, CEO of Action for Pre-eclampsia (APEC) said: “Women need to know if they are at risk of pre-eclampsia both so they can be prepared and to ensure clinicians target the right care to them. This study will hopefully help find one more piece in the pre-eclampsia jigsaw and we will be fully supporting the trial.”
Key features of the STARshiP study include:
Combined Screening Technique using the Fetal Medicine Foundation Test: The STARshiP study will implement a new screening method for pre-eclampsia which includes additional measurements taken during the first trimester ultrasound scan and a blood test to measure placental hormones.
Aspirin Treatment to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia: Pregnant people identified as high-risk through the new screening process will receive aspirin treatment as per the current NHS standard care. Aspirin is a safe, cost-effective treatment which has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of pre-eclampsia.
Read the full article here.
