Combined screening for preeclampsia and small for gestational age at 11-13 weeks

Leona C Y Poon1, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar

  • 1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.

Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|September 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study combined algorithms to effectively screen for preeclampsia (PE) and small for gestational age (SGA) in the first trimester. Early detection of PE and preterm-SGA is achievable with this integrated approach.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Obstetrics
  • Perinatal screening

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PE) and small for gestational age (SGA) are significant adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Accurate first-trimester prediction of PE and SGA is crucial for timely intervention.
  • Existing algorithms often focus on PE or SGA individually.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a combined prediction algorithm for PE and SGA.
  • To integrate an algorithm for SGA prediction with a previously established algorithm for early PE detection.
  • To assess the performance of the combined algorithm in predicting both conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A screening study of singleton pregnancies at 11-13 weeks gestation.
  • Development of a prediction algorithm for preterm-SGA using maternal characteristics, ultrasound, and serum biomarkers (PAPP-A, PlGF).
  • Evaluation of the SGA algorithm alone and in combination with an early-PE algorithm for predicting SGA and PE.

Main Results:

  • The combined approach demonstrated effective first-trimester screening capabilities.
  • Detection rates included 95.3% for early-PE, 45.6% for late-PE, 55.5% for preterm-SGA, and 44.3% for term-SGA.
  • A false positive rate of 10.9% was observed with specific risk cutoffs.

Conclusions:

  • Combined first-trimester screening for early-PE and preterm-SGA is effective.
  • The integrated algorithm offers a valuable tool for improving perinatal outcomes.
  • This approach facilitates early identification and management of high-risk pregnancies.
Abstract