LifeCell Diagnostics becomes First in India to launch Comprehensive Preeclampsia Screening

Bengaluru: LifeCell, one of the leading diagnostics and healthcare solutions companies, is now the first provider in India to offer screening for both early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia during pregnancy. This launch is a significant milestone as the currently available diagnostic tests in the country screen only for early-onset preeclampsia. LifeCell has previously introduced the first-trimester preeclampsia screening based on detection of placental growth factor (PIGF) levels. However, the addition of another important biomarker, sFLT-1 (soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1) in the screening panel will enable prediction of preeclampsia and help in accurate diagnosis even in the third trimester. 

Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, affects 8-10% of Indian women and is characterized by high blood pressure that can damage major organs. Additionally, it can also lead to slow or restricted growth of the fetus, preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight or even prove fatal. Late-onset preeclampsia occurs in about 75-80% of all cases of preeclampsia and is associated with maternal morbidity (metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, dyslipidemia, chronic hypertension), as well as normal birth weight and placental volume.
LifeCell’s comprehensively designed preeclampsia screening tests adhere to protocols defined by the Fetal Medicine Foundation and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Additionally, the tests provide reliable results based on the biochemical markers along with ultrasound findings and the mother’s medical history. The early-onset preeclampsia screening test is performed along with combined first trimester screening (CFTS) to evaluate the levels of PIGF in the mother’s blood. As the ASPRE trial demonstrated, the early detection of preeclampsia diagnosed using CFTS can be managed with the administration of low-dose aspirin in high-risk women, reducing the risk of preterm preeclampsia by more than 60%.
Additionally, LifeCell's late-onset preeclampsia screening evaluates a different biomarker, sFlt-1. In women who develop pre-eclampsia, the levels of sFlt-1 are thought to be higher than those seen in the normal pregnancy. The screening for late-onset preeclampsia, thus, measures the sFlt-1 and PlGF ratio which effectively allows identification of low-risk pregnancies that are at the high the risk of developing preeclampsia.
 
Dr.  Chinmayee Rathe, Fetal Medicine Consultant, Resolution Fetal Medicine Centre, Hyderabad said, “Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific complication leading to maternal hypertension and multisystem disorders which can be life threatening to the mother as well as the fetus. Since treatment for this condition is ultimately delivered, it remains an important cause of iatrogenic prematurity.  Reducing the incidence and/or severity of preeclampsia can improve perinatal health significantly. Women who have preeclampsia are at higher risk of medical problems in later life and thus screening and prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancy is a very important health intervention"
 
Dr. Chander Lulla Consultant Sonologist & Fetal Medicine Specialist, “India is the stillbirth capital of the world.  Preeclampsia is an important cause of death and complications for the mother and baby. Screening for Preeclampsia at 11–13 weeks can identify about 90% of women who develop early Preeclampsia and administration of aspirin,150 mg/day   reduces the rate of early Preeclampsia by about 90% .It is strongly recommended to provide Preeclampsia screening to our prospective mothers. “
 
This new addition in the testing suite of LifeCell Diagnostics will bolster its commitment to provide relevant and reliable test results that not only help doctors make the right clinical decisions but also improve maternal and newborn health.