Nashville Woman First in US to Receive Innovative ‘Preeclampsia Test’

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A Nashville resident, Tyesha Kinnard, becomes the first person in the United States to undertake the recently FDA-approved ‘Preeclampsia Test.’ Pregnant women across America now have access to this game-changing tool designed to detect preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition affecting pregnant women, early in its onset.

A Traumatic Pregnancy Experience

On recalling her recent pregnancy that abruptly halted at 33 weeks of gestation, Tyesha described the experience as traumatic. She experienced numerous alarming symptoms, including shortness of breath, constant headaches, and an abnormal swelling in her hands, legs, and feet. Despite many dismissing her symptoms as typical pregnancy-related discomforts, her physician’s concern escalated after noting her dangerously high blood pressure.

The Preeclampsia Test: A Solution in Time

During her hospitalization, Tyesha was introduced to Dr. Cornelia Graves, a leading healthcare professional in high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Graves also serves as a representative for the Preeclampsia Foundation, a nonprofit organization advocating for those affected by preeclampsia- a heart and vessel disease contracted in pregnancy. She suggested conducting a new blood test on Tyesha, a potential lifesaver in detecting preeclampsia early.

Originating in 2017, the ‘Preeclampsia Test’ was first put into practice at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Local clinicians discovered that low levels of a key molecule named Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), indicative of potential cardiovascular disease in pregnant women. A series of trials revealed this test predicted the onset of severe preeclampsia accurately 96% of the time. Consequently, the FDA approved its use in America in May of 2023.

Understanding the Test’s Function

The ‘Preeclampsia Test’ assesses a pregnant woman’s risk of developing preeclampsia by creating a ratio between the PlGF molecule and the sFlt-1 molecule. Consequently, these biomarkers return a score that indicates the likelihood of impending or developing preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia: A looming Crisis

Preeclampsia is a potentially fatal disease that can occur during pregnancy or up to 49 days postpartum, affecting the pregnant woman’s entire blood system and organs. Preeclampsia is an alarming cause for concern, especially in Tennessee, where it occurs in one in every six-to-ten pregnancies.

Even after the disease’s diagnosis and mitigation, women continue a lifelong risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Alarmingly, African American women are 60% more prone to developing severe preeclampsia compared to their white counterparts.

Tyesha’s Experience with the Test

Tyesha became the first American to take the newly FDA-approved test. The diagnostic results confirmed she was experiencing severe preeclampsia. Consequently, Tyesha delivered her baby prematurely, marking an emotional and traumatic ending to her pregnancy. Fortunately, both mother and baby survived this harrowing experience, underscoring the crucial role of early detection tests for preeclampsia.

Making further strides in the Fight against Preeclampsia

Following the success in Tyesha’s case, LabCorp embarked on developing a first-trimester screener for preeclampsia. Released on May 15, 2024, the new screening method measures four key biomarkers in early pregnancy, providing a comprehensive risk assessment to detect the likelihood of preeclampsia developing in the second and third trimesters with up to 90% sensitivity. The incorporation of these advancements in the management of preeclampsia marks a significant leap since 1897, when the disease was first named.