Problem being addressed
Eclampsia accounts for about 40% of maternal mortality in low resource environments. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and heightened protein in the urine. Identifying these stages early is essential for successful treatment. However, the tools for detecting blood pressure and analyzing urine are expensive and inaccessible for women in developing countries.
Detailed description of the solution
Instead of testing blood pressure or urine, the momedemameter detects for edema, another indicator of pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy issues. The device is an elastic wrist or ankle band that detects swelling, starting at the 20th week of pregnancy. If the band becomes snug, the mother knows to see a doctor. This device is inexpensive, extremely easy to use, and allows women to monitor pre-eclampsia without waiting in line for checkups.
Designed by
- Designed by: Virginia Commonwealth University led by Ashley Woodward
When and where it was tested/implemented
Trials at Obstetrics Clinics at VCU Medical Center
Funding Source
National Institute of Health
References
Peer-reviewed publications
Pawluk, D., Burch, D., Strauss III, J. F., Peng, T., & Woodward, A. (2009). The Momedemameter: An Affordable Preeclampsia Detector For Low Resource Environments. Journal of medical devices, 3(1), 014501. Retrieved November 13 2013 from here.