May become first approved treatment for a condition that leads to premature birth

PHOENIX (Oct. 29, 2007) – Up to 10 percent of all pregnant women can expect to experience some degree of pre-eclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by very high blood pressure, severe swelling, headaches, dizziness and nausea. This condition can lead to seizures, renal failure, developmental abnormalities and even death for mother or baby. In fact, pre-eclampsia is the number one cause of maternal death (women who die during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum recovery) globally.

Perinatologist Dr. Garrett Lam, of Phoenix Perinatal Associates/Obstetrix Medical Group and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, is currently studying a drug therapy that may become a much anticipated breakthrough in the treatment of pre-eclampsia. It is thought this could be the first approved treatment for a condition that disrupts lives and causes thousands of families fear, anxiety, loss and economic hardship each year.

While symptoms of pre-eclampsia can sometimes be managed for a period of time, the only known cure for this condition is to deliver the baby. Often this means the baby will be born prematurely and require neonatal intensive care for respiratory distress or other potentially life-threatening issues. Pressing further into a pregnancy gives babies better odds for survival, but can put mothers’ lives at risk. Care provided must carefully balance two lives.

The active ingredient in the drug that is being studied, Digibind (GlaxoSmithKline), has previously been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat overdoses of a drug commonly used by patients with heart rhythm irregularities. This Phase II trial is known as DEEP (Digibind Efficacy Evaluation in Pre-eclampsia) and is being tested in women with severe pre-eclampsia that occurs between 23 and 34 weeks gestation.

Banner Good Samaritan is a nationally known center for high-risk obstetrics, the care of mothers and fetuses at risk for serious health complications during pregnancy and birth. In 2006 more than 250 women delivered babies at Banner Good Samaritan following some level of pre-eclampsia. This does not include women who were transferred back to their home hospital after stabilizing care. This year’s data shows that number is on the rise with 210 cases reported by August 2007 (YTD).

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. Banner Good Samaritan is owned and operated by Phoenix-based Banner Health, a not-for-profit organization, and is a flagship hospital within the system. The hospital was recently named to U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Hospitals” list for Gynecology, Heart and Heart Surgery, Kidney Disease and Urology. Banner Good Samaritan has been recognized as a Magnet facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor a hospital can earn for its nursing care and practices.

Contact:
Banner Good Samaritan Public Relations
(602) 239-4411