Pre-eclampsia is when high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and when one or more of the following are found: protein in the urine, maternal organ damage (kidneys, liver, blood, nervous system), or evidence of problems with the uterus and placenta. Risk factors for pre-eclampsia include long-term high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy, having high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, obesity, age, in vitro fertilization, a multiple pregnancy (e.g., twins), certain ethnic backgrounds, a first pregnancy, and a family history of pre-eclampsia.
The most effective treatment for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby. Clinical guidelines recommend taking a low dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA [Aspirin]) as a preventive measure in those with heightened risk. Clinicians might assess a pregnant person for characteristics associated with pre-eclampsia to find out if they are high-risk. A new technique developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (“the FMF algorithm”) uses the pregnant person’s characteristics and other indicators to better identify people at high risk for pre-eclampsia. Once a person has been identified as high-risk, their doctor can start treating them with ASA.
This health technology assessment looked at the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of a population-wide first-trimester screening program for pre-eclampsia risk that uses the FMF algorithm (“the population-wide FMF-based screening program”) in reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia. It also looked at the accuracy of the FMF algorithm in predicting the risk of pre-eclampsia. Last, it looked at the budget impact of publicly funding the population-wide FMF-based screening program and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people who have had pre-eclampsia.
Read the full health technology assessment report for more information.
First-Trimester Screening Program for the Risk of Pre-eclampsia Using a Multiple-Marker Algorithm: A Health Technology Assessment
December 2022
Use of this site, and the interpretation of the information contained here, is subject to important terms and conditions. Use of this site and information except in accordance with these terms and conditions is expressly prohibited.
The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review health technology assessments and funding recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.