Prediction of Preeclampsia Using First-Trimester Uterine Artery Doppler and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A): A Prospective Study in Chhattisgarh, India

Introduction Preeclampsia is a major contributor of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Uterine artery waveform and biomarkers like pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) may reflect the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Thus, we aim to find out whether abnormal uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and low serum PAPP-A in the first trimester can predict preeclampsia. Methodology Antenatal women at 11-13⁺⁶ weeks of gestation visiting All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Raipur were enrolled after informed consent. Uterine artery Doppler was done with the early anomaly scan at 11-13⁺⁶ weeks. Serum levels of PAPP-A were analyzed. The women were followed up at intervals up to delivery. Incidence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension was noted. Results The incidence of preeclampsia was 12.7%, and that of gestational hypertension was 4.9%. The mean uterine artery PI among those who developed hypertension in pregnancy was 2.007, which was significantly higher than the unaffected group (p=0.01). The first-trimester uterine artery PI as a screening tool showed a sensitivity of 68%, specificity of 52.99%, and detection rate (DR) of 55.63%. The mean PAPP-A MoM of the affected group was 0.67 which was significantly higher than the unaffected group (p<0.001). The first trimester PAPP-A as a screening tool showed a sensitivity of 28%, specificity of 90.6%, and DR of 79.58%. Conclusion Both the tests were concluded to be good predictors of hypertension in pregnancy. Identification of high-risk factors, screening, and surveillance are of utmost importance in order to predict preeclampsia and initiation of preventive therapy.