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A simple blood test could help doctors identify pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. According to a new study, calculating the ratio of two blood proteins—fibrinogen and albumin—can provide vital insights into a woman’s likelihood of developing preeclampsia during labour.
Preeclampsia affects between 5% to 10% of pregnant women and is characterized by sudden high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it can emerge as early as the 20th week of pregnancy, this study focuses on identifying the risk at the time of hospital admission during labour.
The research team determined that by analyzing routine blood tests conducted upon a woman’s hospital admission, the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) could be a critical indicator of preeclampsia risk. Fibrinogen, a protein responsible for blood clotting and inflammation, often becomes elevated in preeclampsia, while albumin, which helps maintain fluid balance, may be reduced.
A higher FAR indicates a greater risk of preeclampsia, with potential outcomes becoming more severe as the ratio increases. The study examined medical records from 2,629 women who gave birth between 2018 and 2024, categorizing them based on their preeclampsia status. Among them, 584 women had mild preeclampsia symptoms, while 226 had severe symptoms.
Researchers found that patients with a FAR of 0.1 or higher upon hospital admission had a 24% likelihood of developing preeclampsia, with the risk climbing to over 41% when the ratio exceeded 0.3.
The findings offer critical opportunities for early intervention. If a woman is identified as high-risk based on her FAR and other factors—such as being over the age of 35 or having pre-existing high blood pressure or obesity—medical professionals can take preventive steps. “They can order more frequent blood pressure checks or lab tests to monitor the patient’s condition closely,” the study’s authors explained. In cases where severe preeclampsia is anticipated, early administration of an epidural can reduce the risk associated with advanced complications.
“While FAR has been linked to other inflammatory conditions, this study is the first to apply it specifically to preeclampsia in such a large and racially diverse population,” noted lead author Lucy Shang from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
The research holds promise for improving maternal outcomes and reducing the risk of preeclampsia complications, underscoring the importance of routine blood tests in labour management.
