Scientists have developed a new test that can predict the risks of preterm birth faster and more accurately.
Researchers from Guy's and St. Thomas found premature birth more likely to occur when a protein known as fetal fibronectin (fFN) leaks out of the uterus into the cervix. Based on that, they developed a cervical swab that measures the protein levels and warns whether a woman will give birth before completing her gestational age or not.
The latest fFN test conducted with the use of equipment known as 10Q analyzer can provide results within 10 minutes. According to the investigators, the new test is more accurate than previous tests and can help prevent pregnant women from taking unnecessary treatment.
"The updated fetal fibronectin test reduces the need for low-risk women to stay in for observation or get treatment when they don't have to," professor Andrew Shennan, who led the research, said in a news release. "Treatment and transferral to other units can be inconvenient and distressing. This updated test is more precise, so we can give a more definitive diagnosis."
The test has been installed in 134 hospitals in the UK and many women have already benefited from its accurate prediction. Susan Clarke, who had experienced two miscarriages earlier, underwent the test to check preterm birth risk. As predicted by the test, she gave birth after 38 weeks.
"The low fFN readings gave us peace of mind and meant we could keep the stress levels down," she said.
Babies born before 37 weeks of gestational age are considered to be premature babies. Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second leading cause of death among children aged below five in the world. In the country, more than half a million babies are born prematurely.
A preterm birth can bring in many health problems for the child, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, breathing or respiratory problems, feeding or digestive problems and vision or hearing loss.
The study is published online in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
