Swiss global healthcare firm Roche has reported positive results from its multicentre, prospective, double-blind, non-interventional PROGNOSIS trial of Elecsys preeclampsia test.

The Elecsys preeclampsia test showed high prognostic value in the trial, which was conducted to predict the condition in pregnant women.

It was designed to predict the absence of preeclampsia for one week and development of preeclampsia within the subsequent four weeks.

The trial evaluated the short-term prediction of preeclampsia, eclampsia and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome in pregnant women with suspected preeclampsia.

"The Elecsys preeclampsia test showed high prognostic value in the trial, which was conducted to predict the condition in pregnant women."

The positive results allows healthcare professionals to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations by reliably ruling out preeclampsia for one week and to improve outcome for mother and child by ruling in preeclampsia allowing optimised prenatal care.

Medical University Vienna, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology professor Harald Zeisler said: "The Elecsys preeclampsia test allows physicians to predict the short term absence and manifestation of preeclampsia.

"Its application in clinical practice has the potential to reduce fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations."

The Elecsys preeclampsia test was developed to measure two proteins, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in maternal blood.

Test results will allow physicians to confidently predict the development of short-term preeclampsia in pregnant women, while focusing on patients at high risk of the disease.

Roche Diagnostics chief operating officer Roland Diggelmann said: "The new data allows us to set new standards in prenatal care, avoid unnecessary hospitalisation and anxiety for the mother and her family.

"This is yet another testament to our commitment in women’s health."