Unveiling Preeclampsia Prognosis: Uterine Artery Doppler Indices in Low-Risk Pregnancies

Background Anticipating preeclampsia's onset is pivotal in mitigating adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aims to prognosticate preeclampsia within low-risk pregnancies by evaluating uterine artery Doppler indices within the 14-28 week gestation. Methodology An observational cohort comprising 360 low-risk pregnancies (14-28 weeks gestation) underwent serial uterine artery Doppler assessments at 14-20 and 20-28 weeks. Follow-up was extended to delivery to detect preeclampsia incidence. Results Among 360 participants, 56 (15.5%) developed preeclampsia. Sensitivity values for resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and bilateral notching were 17.6%, 56.25%, and 71%, respectively, during 14-20 weeks. Similarly, during 20-28 weeks, sensitivities for RI, PI, and bilateral notching were 16.6%, 36.8%, and 55.5%, respectively, with specificity exceeding 90%. Notch depth index (NDI) >0.14 emerged as a better predictor of preeclampsia between both intervals (area under the curve = 0.686 and 0.646). Conclusions Bilateral notching during 14-20 weeks and NDI >0.14 within 14-20 and 20-28 weeks indicate preeclampsia susceptibility in low-risk pregnancies. Conversely, uterine artery Doppler indices at 14-28 weeks effectively rule out preeclampsia development, exhibiting a specificity of >90%.