Blood Tests Enable Early Identification of Pregnancy Risks due to High Blood Pressure in Sierra Leone

Recent research in Sierra Leone has demonstrated that straightforward blood tests can significantly enhance the detection of pregnant women at risk of severe complications stemming from high blood pressure, such as seizures, stillbirths, and infant mortality. The study highlights how these quick, accessible tests, which deliver results within just 30 minutes, could be pivotal in improving maternal and neonatal safety in regions with limited healthcare resources.

Led by King's College London in collaboration with the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital and published in the journal Hypertension, the study involved 488 pregnant women admitted with suspected preeclampsia—a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can be life-threatening. A key finding was that women with reduced levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), measured via two specific bedside tests (RONIA and Lepzi Quanti), were more likely to develop serious complications.

These tests, which are performed on-site using a finger-prick blood sample, provide rapid results, enabling healthcare providers to identify women at high risk accurately. The research revealed that among women under 34 weeks of gestation, the tests correctly identified 95% to 100% of those who were at risk of maternal death or seizures, and they accurately flagged all fetuses at risk of stillbirth.

Dr. Katy Kuhrt, an obstetrics specialist involved in the study, explained that normal test results could effectively rule out dangerous outcomes, allowing for less invasive management. Conversely, abnormal results indicated the need for closer monitoring or earlier delivery.

Preeclampsia affects approximately 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, leading to around 46,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 neonatal or fetal deaths annually. The burden is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, where diagnostic and monitoring options are limited. Traditional PlGF testing involves laboratory procedures that are difficult to implement in resource-restricted settings; however, the new bedside tests mark a significant advancement by providing quick, reliable results with minimal equipment.

Professor Andrew Shennan emphasized the potential life-saving impact of these tests, especially in regions where stillbirths are common. Future efforts include expanding access through initiatives like the NIHR Global Health Research Group PAPAGAIO, aiming to integrate point-of-care PlGF testing into routine care in countries such as Brazil, India, Sierra Leone, and Zambia.

This innovation holds promise for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality related to preeclampsia by facilitating timely clinical decisions, ultimately saving lives.