Public Health

Britain launches surveillance system for rare pregnancy disorders

Last Updated: 2005-02-09 19:01:27 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Richard Woodman

LONDON (Agence de Presse Medicale for Reuters Health) - What is claimed to be the first system of its kind in the world to study rare disorders of pregnancy and childbirth was launched in Britain on Thursday.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit said the obstetric surveillance system would identify disorders through a monthly card mailing to nominated obstetricians, midwives and anaesthetists.

"Initial studies will cover acute fatty liver of pregnancy, amniotic fluid embolism, antenatal pulmonary embolism, eclampsia, peripartum hysterectomy, and tuberculosis," they added in a statement.

"New studies, identified by midwives and obstetricians as priority areas for research, will replace completed ones. In this way, (the system) will conduct a rolling programme of studies, and will provide a system capable of responding to emerging conditions of public health importance."

Dr Peter Brocklehurst, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, said: "The information gained will help improve the quality and consistency of care for women with these uncommon conditions and their babies."