Byrner
03-19-2008, 01:36 PM
Scientists studying pregancy have made a discovery that could pave the way for a bedside test to determine whether women will miscarry.
Test may be developedAcademics at Leicester University have discovered a naturally-occurring molecule which can determine whether a woman will suffer a miscarriage.
Forty-five women who showed signs of a threatened miscarriage took part in the study.
All of the women who had higher levels of anandamide went on to have a miscarriage.
Of the women the scientists predicted would have a living baby, 94% avoided a miscarriage.
Professor Justin Konje, from the university, said he was optimistic about the findings.
"If the results are replicated, we would eventually be able to reassure women who present with bleeding in early pregnancy about the outcome of their pregnancies," he said.
"When women present with pre-term labour, we need a test to tell us which ones will deliver and which ones will not so that we can plan their management.
"Obviously for those whose pregnancies are identified by this measurement as destined to end in a miscarriage, knowing this may cause grief and upset, but it may also help them to come to terms quickly with the outcome of the pregnancies."
News Source: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91251-1309272,00.html
Test may be developedAcademics at Leicester University have discovered a naturally-occurring molecule which can determine whether a woman will suffer a miscarriage.
Forty-five women who showed signs of a threatened miscarriage took part in the study.
All of the women who had higher levels of anandamide went on to have a miscarriage.
Of the women the scientists predicted would have a living baby, 94% avoided a miscarriage.
Professor Justin Konje, from the university, said he was optimistic about the findings.
"If the results are replicated, we would eventually be able to reassure women who present with bleeding in early pregnancy about the outcome of their pregnancies," he said.
"When women present with pre-term labour, we need a test to tell us which ones will deliver and which ones will not so that we can plan their management.
"Obviously for those whose pregnancies are identified by this measurement as destined to end in a miscarriage, knowing this may cause grief and upset, but it may also help them to come to terms quickly with the outcome of the pregnancies."
News Source: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91251-1309272,00.html