SC Connecticut News

In the realm of medical research, a recent development has shed light on the pressing need for improved diagnostics for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver disorder that poses significant risks to expectant mothers and their unborn babies. The tragic story of Judd William Gardner, whose life was cut short by ICP, has become a driving force behind efforts to enhance the detection and treatment of this rare condition.

Allison Gardner, Judd's mother and now president of Judd’s Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about ICP, shared her heartbreaking experience, stating, “I knew that there was something that needed to change because there are so many unknowns with (ICP). All of those unknowns are why we lost our baby.”

In response to the urgent need for improved diagnostic techniques, Yale School of Medicine’s Joe El-Khoury, PhD, has been awarded a $60,000 grant by Judd’s Legacy to fund research into enhancing the diagnosis of ICP. El-Khoury expressed the significance of this grant, emphasizing that it could potentially be a matter of life or death for some patients, saying, “For a small subset of patients, it may be the difference between life and death of their baby.”

El-Khoury's research aims to validate the utility of a newly implemented assay known as the Total Bile Acids, which can provide results in as little as an hour, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional testing methods. He highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about ICP and the benefits of rapid testing, stating, “We want them to know there is an alternative test out there that gives results within an hour and is just as useful as mass spectrometry.”

The grant will enable comprehensive studies to be conducted comparing the new assay with standard mass spectrometry testing, with a focus on demonstrating the reliability and efficiency of the new diagnostic approach. El-Khoury's team also aims to investigate how the implementation of the new assay could potentially impact the length of hospital stays for patients, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers.

Through the dedication of individuals like Allison Gardner and the research efforts led by Joe El-Khoury, progress is being made in the field of ICP diagnostics. Gardner's unwavering commitment to honoring her son's memory by advocating for improved testing and treatment options serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advancing medical research to prevent future tragedies.