Routine ante-natal screening using maternal risk factors and biomarkers for preeclampsia in 11-13+6 weeks of

Anusuya Sarma1, Subrat Panda1, Ananya Das1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NEIGRIHMS, India.

Insights

Early prediction of preeclampsia using biomarkers like placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the first trimester aids timely interventions. This study combined PlGF, PAPP-A, uterine artery Doppler, and mean arterial pressure for improved detection.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Obstetrics
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Preeclampsia prediction in the first trimester is crucial for managing maternal and perinatal outcomes.
  • Early detection allows for prompt preventative and therapeutic interventions.
  • This study focused on low-risk pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To predict preeclampsia in the first trimester (11-13+6 weeks of gestation).
  • To evaluate the efficacy of serum placental growth factor (PlGF), serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), uterine artery Doppler indices, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in prediction.
  • To assess the potential for early initiation of preventative measures and timely therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, longitudinal, prospective study design.
  • Recruitment of pregnant women with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation.
  • Measurement of MAP, bilateral uterine artery Doppler indices, serum PAPP-A, and serum PlGF.
  • Regular follow-up until pregnancy termination to record preeclampsia incidence.
  • Statistical analysis including Chi-square/Fisher exact test, sensitivity, and specificity analysis.

Main Results:

  • Out of 139 women, 27 (19%) developed preeclampsia (10 early, 17 late).
  • Combined parameters achieved 70% sensitivity for early preeclampsia and 64.7% for late preeclampsia.
  • Overall prediction of preeclampsia showed 66.7% sensitivity, 74.1% specificity, 38.3% positive predictive value (PPV), and 72% negative predictive value (NPV).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal biomarkers (serum PAPP-A, serum PlGF), uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), and MAP demonstrate significant potential for first-trimester preeclampsia prediction.
  • A sensitivity of 70% for early and 64.71% for late preeclampsia detection is achievable.
  • These findings support early initiation of preventative measures and timely therapeutic interventions to improve maternal and perinatal health outcomes.
Abstract