Soluble E-selectin, platelet count and mean platelet volume as biomarkers for pre-eclampsia

Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide with increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Many previous studies have examined several biomarkers including E-selectin. We aimed to assess the role of sE-selectin together with platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) as biomarkers for the prediction of preeclampsia.

This case-control study included 85 pregnant women; 40 healthy (mean age 27.1 ± 4.8 years) and 45 with preeclampsia (mean age 26.8 ± 6.7 years), recruited at the third trimester of pregnancy and subjected to full clinical and laboratory testing. This included complete blood picture, urine analysis and plasma sE-selectin using ELISA.

A significant decrease in platelet count (P = 0.003), and a significant increase in MPV (P < 0.001) were seen in patients versus controls. Plasma sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in patients versus control (P = 0.002). ROC curve showed the best cut-off values for sE-selectin was 64.3 ng/mL, with 58% sensitivity 80.0% specificity. Positive predictive value was 76.5; negative predictive value was 62.7 and accuracy was 68.2 with a statically significant area under curve (P = 0.002). Platelet count, MPV and sE-selectin were significantly associated with PE in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only MPV and sE-selectin were independent risk factors for PE development. Higher MPV or sE-selectin were associated with PE development (P < 0.001).

The simultaneous use of sE-selectin and platelet count and volume may help earlier recognition of preeclampsia and thus appropriate and more efficient therapy. Larger studies are likely to help verify data and justify wider application of these markers.