New test could help prevent miscarriages

Scientists have developed a test that can identify women at high risk of miscarriage, paving the way for new treatments to prevent the tragic event.

To date, most research has focused on embryo quality rather than the uterine lining - Photo: HOTFLASH

In the UK, one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage, most before 12 weeks, and each miscarriage increases the risk of miscarriage in the next pregnancy. Until now, most research in the UK has focused on embryo quality, while the mysteries of the lining of the womb remain a “black box” in reproductive medicine.

Scientists at the University of Warwick and the National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (all in the UK) recently discovered an unusual process in the lining of the uterus that could explain why some women miscarry, according to the Guardian newspaper on June 26.

Specifically, when analyzing about 1,500 biopsy samples from more than 1,300 women, they discovered that the chorionic reaction - a normal physiological response to prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy - often does not function normally in women with a history of miscarriage.

This creates an unstable environment and, while still allowing the embryo to implant, increases the risk of bleeding and early miscarriage.

Worse, this does not happen randomly. The abnormal response in the uterine lining recurs throughout the menstrual cycles in some women, at a much greater rate than expected.

From that discovery, the team developed a diagnostic test that can detect abnormalities in the lining of the uterus.

The test has been trialled in Coventry, UK, and has helped care for more than 1,000 patients.

Holly Milikouris, one of the women who tried the new test, said it was a “life-changing” experience after suffering five miscarriages. She had undergone multiple treatments but was still unable to get pregnant. Tests showed that her uterine lining was poorly prepared for pregnancy. After treatment, she now has two healthy children.

The discovery, along with the new test, could open the door to new methods to help women avoid the risk of miscarriage in the future.

ANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/loai-xet-nghiem-moi-co-the-giup-tranh-say-thai-20250627125348948.htm