Prediction of Preeclampsia by Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry Between 16-28 Weeks

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder which affects about 2% of pregnancies and represents a major threat to mother and foetus when it emerges. In some women this condition sets in a subtle way and gradually such women develop severe degree of preeclampsia leading to dreadful complications. Uterine artery doppler velocimetry is a non-invasive method to examine the uteroplacental circulation that provides indirect evidence of blood ow and is proposed a predictive test for preeclampsia. This prospective observational study was performed to assess the usefulness of uterine artery Doppler in predicting preeclampsia. Methods: 50 high risk and 50 low risk singleton pregnancies between 16-28 weeks of gestational age with uterine artery doppler study were followed up till delivery or development of preeclampsia to determine maternal and fetal outcome. Results: Sensitivity and specicity of abnormal uterine artery doppler study for prediction of preeclampsia were 90 % and 70 % in high-risk and 42 % and 90 % in low-risk group, respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 92 % and 63 % in high risk group and 42 % and 90 % in low risk group respectively. Conclusions: Mid trimester doppler velocimetry of uterine artery can be used as a reliable screening test for prediction of preeclampsia in both high-risk and low-risk women.