Blood tests predict preeclampsia, premature birth

A bioengineering graduate student at Stanford University has created RNA tests with the potential to redefine prenatal care and save lives. The tests measure cell-free messenger RNA in a pregnant woman’s blood. They can predict the risk of premature birth and preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy than current tests, giving patients and their care providers more time to intervene. Once commercialized, the tests are expected to be affordable. Their inventor Mira Moufarrej hopes the tests will lead to fewer pregnancy complications, especially among Black women who are at higher risk than their white counterparts for both preterm birth and preeclampsia. (Insider article, 5/21/21)