Abstract
Aim: To determine second-trimester uterine artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) values and diastolic notch (DN) presences in primigravid, low-risk pregnant women for preeclampsia (PE) prediction.
 Matherials and Methods: We studied prospectively primigravid, pregnant women between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation who were admitted for routine prenatal care. An ultrasound examination that included measurements of the UA-PI and DN presence was performed and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.
 Results: In total 244 primigravid pregnant women were included this study, and 15 (6,1 %) developed PE. When Preeclampsia positive (PEP) group and the preeclampsia negative (PEN) group compared, there was no difference in demographic data. PEP group mean UA-PI value was significantly higher (p< 0,01) when mean time of the delivery week (p< 0,01) and fetal birth weight (p< 0,01) were significantly lower than PEN group.
 DN was negative (NN) in 163 (66,8 %) pregnant women, and found positive (NP) in 81 (33,2%) pregnant women. NP group had higher PE rates compared to NN group. Bilateral notch positivity increases both PE and early PE rates compared to notch negativity and unilateral notch positivity. The most sensitive and specific value of UA-PI for PE prediction was found 1,13.
 Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler is a non-invasive and simple tool to identify high-risk pregnancies and may improve patient-specific practice. Especially pregnant women with a bilateral uterine notch accompanying with abnormal UA-PI values resulted a higher prevalence to develop these severe adverse outcomes. Closer monitoring may help to reduce both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in high-risk groups.
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