title: The use of ultrasound and other markers for early detection of preeclampsia.
abstract: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy classically characterized with the onset of hypertension after 20 weeks gestation in the presence of proteinuria. PE typically affects 2-8% of pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the most effective biomarkers used in first trimester screening for PE. It explores their use both in isolation and as part of an algorithm to yield the best detection rates. Screening by a combination of maternal risk factors, uterine artery Doppler, mean arterial pressure, maternal serum PAPP-A and PlGF can identify about 75% of cases of preterm PE for a false-positive rate of 10%. By identifying these patients at high risk for PE, appropriately tailored antenatal surveillance can be instigated and prophylactic pharmacological interventions can be prescribed to improve placentation and ultimately, the outcome for both the mother and fetus.
authors.affiliation: Harris Birthright Research Centre of Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: O'Gorman
authors.affiliation: Harris Birthright Research Centre of Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Kypros H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Nicolaides
authors.affiliation: Harris Birthright Research Centre of Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Liona C Y
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Poon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: first-trimester screening; mean arterial pressure; preeclampsia; pyramid of antenatal care; serum biochemistry; uterine artery Doppler