SRL Diagnostics announces technology to diagnose hypertension in pregnancy

Test – Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) priced at Rs 2850, is available across India

SRL Diagnostics has introduced a breakthrough medical test to diagnose hypertensive disorders in pregnancy recently at its state of the art lab in Gurgaon. Priced at Rs 2850, SRL launched the first of its kind biomarker, placental growth factor (PLGF) to meet the alarming threat of the expecting mothers in recent times.

PLGF is used for accurate diagnosis and prognosis of “pre-eclampsia”, a major cause of maternal, foetal, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Reportedly, the new test will help gynaecologists to diagnose pre-eclampsia early and in planning delivery and decision making for timely hospital transfer. Most cases of pre-eclampsia develop in healthy women bearing their first child. Pre-eclampsia can happen as early as 20 weeks of gestation and can only be resolved by delivery of the baby. However, late diagnosis of the condition can lead to long term maternal complications that can be fatal to the mother and the child both.

Talking at launch of the test, Dr BR Das, President – Research and Innovation, Mentor – Molecular Pathology and Clinical Research Service, SRL Diagnostics said,“Pre-eclampsia (PE) a syndrome characterised by hypertension and protein in urine, is suspected in around 10-12 per cent of pregnancies in India. Although the exact cause of this disorder is not known, it is widely accepted that placenta is the source of this condition, and it can also affect the mother’s kidney, liver, and brain. Earlier, there was no single test to diagnose or predict the outcome of pre-eclampsia. SRL Diagnostics is the first Indian lab to introduce PLGF. The marker begins to decrease 11 to 9 weeks before the onset of pre-eclampsia, and falling substantially during the five weeks before the onset of hypertension or proteinuria.”

It is also known that pre-eclampsia sometimes develop without any symptoms. High blood pressure might develop slowly, but more commonly it has a sudden onset. Pregnancies complicated by hypertension including pre-eclampsia are associated with increased risk of adverse fetal, neonatal and maternal health. Other signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia might include severe headaches, changes in vision, upper abdominal pain, nausea decreased urine output, decreased levels of platelets in your blood, impaired liver function and shortness of breath.

There are a number of risk factors for pre-eclampsia, including first pregnancy, advanced maternal age (over 35 years) and carrying multiple fetuses. Other risk factors, such as a history of high blood pressure, can be minimised through diet and exercise. Those over 40, under 20, or who have certain health conditions including diabetes also have greater risks.