Researchers are set to trial a revolutionary screening test for pre-eclampsia, a serious condition affecting pregnant women and their unborn babies. The study, called STARshiP (Screen and Treat with Aspirin to Reduce Pre-eclampsia), is led by Saint Mary’s Managed Clinical Service at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) in collaboration with The University of Manchester and the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit. With a focus on 200,000 women and their babies, STARshiP represents one of the largest studies in pregnancy screening research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Pre-eclampsia typically emerges in the second half of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in urine, impacting up to 8% of pregnancies. Currently, predicting which women are at risk is challenging, prompting the need for improved detection methods. The STARshiP study aims to address this gap by implementing a combined screening technique during early pregnancy scans, incorporating ultrasound measurements and a blood test to assess placental hormones. Women identified as high-risk will receive aspirin treatment, known to reduce the incidence and severity of pre-eclampsia.
The trial will be conducted across 18 maternity hospitals in North England and the East Midlands, utilizing a stepped wedge clinical trial design to efficiently roll out the screening test. Joint chief investigators Professor Jenny Myers and Dr. Lucy Higgins emphasize the trial’s potential to improve maternal and fetal outcomes by enhancing early screening. The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including patient representatives who highlight the importance of awareness around pre-eclampsia risks. This groundbreaking research could significantly improve antenatal care, offering hope to many families affected by this condition.
Read More
