A new biomarker test for predicting preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition during pregnancy, has recently been approved in the United States. The test, which has been in use in Europe for nearly a decade, can help identify high-risk patients early on and potentially prevent maternal deaths caused by the disorder. However, access to the test remains limited, with state lawmakers in Georgia working to expand coverage for Medicaid enrollees.
Despite being viewed as investigational by commercial insurers, the test is being championed as a breakthrough in maternal health care by experts and lawmakers. With Georgia experiencing a rise in maternal mortality rates, the need for accurate predictive tests is more important than ever.
Dr. Padmashree Chaudhury Woodham, a leading expert on maternal-fetal medicine, emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing complications and protecting the long-term health of pregnant women. The biomarker test offers a more accurate and effective way of identifying patients at risk of developing preeclampsia.
Advocates like Katherine Sylvester, who founded Operation MIST to empower mothers through health monitoring, believe that the biomarker test can provide crucial information and support to pregnant women. By increasing awareness and access to this test, healthcare providers can make better decisions and mothers can receive the care they need to prevent potentially fatal complications during pregnancy.
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