Prediction of preeclampsia using first trimester placental protein 13 and uterine artery Doppler

Abstract

Objective

To determine the predictive value for preeclampsia by using serum placental protein 13 (PP13) levels and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) in the first trimester.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study that was conducted in pregnant women with gestational age 11–13⁺⁶weeks. Transabdominal uterine artery Doppler and serum PP13 level were performed at the first trimester aneuploidy screening visit. The predictive values of these tests were calculated.

Results

Data from 353 pregnant women were analyzed. Twenty-nine cases developed preeclampsia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of serum PP13 levels in predicting preeclampsia were 51.7, 65.7, 11.9, and 93.8%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the uterine artery PI in predicting preeclampsia were 10.3, 95.7, 17.7, and 92.3%, respectively. When a combination of serum PP13 levels and uterine artery PI were used to predict preeclampsia, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 58.6, 62.9, 12.4 and 94.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the combination of serum PP13 level and uterine artery Doppler in the first trimester was increased the sensitivity for predicting preeclampsia.

Keywords:

• Preeclampsia
• uterine artery
• placental protein 13
• first trimester
• predictive value

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the staff and nurses of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, for their helpful suggestions and assistance. The authors would also like to thank Mrs. Rachanee Wongwathanavikrom, Ms. Walailak Thongthab, and Ms. Natnicha Houngham for their technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Grant for International Research Integration: Research Pyramid, Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund, Chulalongkorn University and Placental related diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University.