Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Indices at 11-13 Weeks of Gestation in Relation to Early and Late Preeclampsia
Nicoleta Gana1,2, Savia Pittokopitou1, Filippos Solonos1
1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London SE5 8BB, UK.
Insights
First-trimester ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler assessment shows promise for predicting preeclampsia (PE). Elevated OA pulsatility index (PI) and uterine artery PI (UtA-PI), with lower placental growth factor (PlGF), are linked to PE development.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant contributor to maternal and fetal mortality.
- Early prediction of PE is critical for effective management and intervention.
- First-trimester ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler assessment is a potential predictive tool for PE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between first-trimester OA Doppler parameters and the development of early and late PE.
- To compare OA Doppler findings with other biomarkers like uterine artery PI (UtA-PI) and placental growth factor (PlGF).
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 4054 pregnant women.
- First-trimester (11-13 weeks) assessment of OA Doppler parameters (PI, PSV ratio), mean arterial pressure (MAP), UtA-PI, and serum PlGF.
- Comparison of biomarkers between women who developed early PE, late PE, and no PE.
Main Results:
- Women who developed PE, especially early PE, exhibited higher OA PSV ratio and UtA-PI compared to the no-PE group.
- Lower serum PlGF levels were observed in PE groups, particularly early PE.
- These findings suggest distinct biomarker profiles for early versus late PE.
Conclusions:
- First-trimester OA Doppler assessment is a promising non-invasive method for PE prediction.
- Combined assessment of OA Doppler, UtA-PI, and PlGF may enhance PE prediction accuracy.
- Further multicenter validation studies are recommended.
Abstract:
Background/Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Early prediction is crucial for timely intervention and management. The ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler assessment in the first trimester has emerged as a potential tool for predicting PE, particularly early PE, with delivery <37 weeks of gestation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the relationship of ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters at 11-13 weeks of gestation with the subsequent development of early and late PE. Methods: A prospective observational analysis was conducted on 4054 pregnant women, including 114 who developed PE. OA Doppler assessment of the pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery PI (UtA-PI), and serum placental growth factor (PlGF) were compared between women who later developed early PE and late PE with those who did not develop PE. Results: In the PE groups, particularly those with early PE, compared to the no PE group, the OA PSV ratio and UtA-PI were higher and PlGF was lower. Conclusion: A first-trimester OA Doppler assessment shows promise as a non-invasive method for the prediction of PE. Further prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies