Blood Tests May Predict Pregnancy Risks for Women With Lupus

HealthDay—September 29, 2015

HealthDay reports that a new study on lupus and pregnancy from Hospital for Special Surgery found that blood tests may identify women with lupus who are at high risk for complications during pregnancy.

As early as 12-15 weeks into pregnancies, changes in biomarkers can signal risk for complications such as the blood pressure problem preeclampsia, fetal growth programs, preterm birth and death of the fetus or newborn.  

"Given that over 20 percent of pregnant women with [lupus] experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, the ability to identify patients early in pregnancy, who are destined for poor outcomes, would significantly impact care of this high risk population," said lead investigator Jane E. Salmon, MD, Director of the Lupus and APS Center of Excellence at Hospital for Special Surgery.

This article originally apeared at HealthDay.com.