Prediction of Preeclampsia by Midtrimester Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry in High-Risk and Low-Risk Women

Abstract

To observe the role of uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry at midtrimester in prediction of preeclampsia. 179 women carrying <16weeks of pregnancy, with singleton fetus and without any fetal anomaly were recruited and were divided in high-risk and low-risk group. Doppler velocimetry of uterine artery was done at 24-26weeks. Any notch in uterine artery, unilateral or bilateral, or RI>0.6, was considered abnormal. Women were followed up and development of preeclampsia noted. Sensitivity and specificity of abnormal uterine artery Doppler study for prediction of preeclampsia were 73.33 and 86.48% in high-risk and 57.14 and 95.83% in low-risk group, respectively. Relative risk with 95% confidence interval was 5.427 (2.272-12.958) in high-risk and 13.65 (5.669-32.865) in low-risk women. Doppler velocimetry of uterine artery at 24weeks can be used as a reliable screening test for prediction of preeclampsia in both high-risk and low-risk women.