Rapid sensor can detect pregnancy complications sooner

A research team led by The University of Queensland (UQ) has developed a rapid sensor that can detect pregnancy complications as early as 11 weeks, by screening blood samples for cell biomarkers. As detailed in the journal Science Advances, the sensor is able to detect health complications that usually aren’t picked up until the second or third trimesters.

“During our study we collected blood samples from 201 pregnant women at 11–13 weeks gestation and we detected possible complications, such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy,” said Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, from UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research.

“These complications during pregnancy can have significant health risks, both in the short term and long term.

“Currently, most pregnancy complications cannot be identified until the second or third trimester, which means it can sometimes be too late for effective intervention.

“However, with this technology, pregnant women will be able to seek medical intervention much earlier.”

Dr Mostafa Kamal Masud, from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said the technology analyses extracellular vesicles, known as the ‘body’s text messages', which carry critical signals between maternal and fetal cells during pregnancy.

“This technology has been developed using nanomaterials to detect low concentrations of biomarkers, which are parts of our cells that show health complications we might be carrying,” Masud said.

“This is what makes our technology more sensitive than current testing methods and why it can pick up potential pregnancy complications much earlier.”

Salomon Gallo said the technology, which has more than 90% accuracy in identifying women at risk of developing pregnancy complications, could save the healthcare system millions annually by reducing neonatal intensive care unit admissions and preventing emergency interventions, including caesarean sections.

“This has the potential to revolutionise earlier risk assessment and interventions, improving clinical decision-making in obstetric care,” he said.

Professor Yusuke Yamauchi, from AIBN, said he hopes the sensor will become widely available in pharmacies and through GP referrals.

“Once we’ve fully completed our research, this technology has the potential to significantly impact health care for mothers and their babies,” Yamauchi said.

The researchers’ next study will include a clinical trial involving at least 2000 women.

Image caption: Professor Yusuke Yamauchi, Dr Mostafa Kamal Masud and Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo with a component of the newly developed rapid sensor. Image credit: AIBN.