Predictive value of placental real-time shear wave elastography combined with 3-dimensional power Doppler index for preeclampsia.

This study aimed to investigate the value of placental real-time shear wave elastography combined with three-dimensional power Doppler index (3D-PDI) in the prediction of preeclampsia. We conducted a retrospective study selecting 60 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia as the experimental group and 60 normal pregnant women as the control group from January 2021 to December 2022. The elastic modulus values of different regions of the placenta and placental 3D-PDI were detected and compared between the two groups. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of each parameter, alone or in combination, for preeclampsia. The study findings demonstrated that the elastic modulus values of different regions of the placenta and 3D-PDI of the two groups have statistical significance. The values of SWE, VI, FI, and VFI are different in prediction of preeclampsia, and the combination of various parameters can improve the prediction value. Overall, our study provides a valuable method for the prediction of preeclampsia with the advantages of non-invasiveness, efficiency, and simplicity.

Preeclampsia/eclampsia impacts the structure and function of neonatal hearts probably by reducing myocardial compaction.

PURPOSE: Preeclampsia/Eclampsia (PE/E) poses significant risks to neonatal cardiac health. Traditional echocardiographic methods have limitations in detailing these impacts. This study hypothesized that echocardiographic radiomics could provide a more comprehensive assessment of the cardiac changes in neonates affected by PE/E. METHOD: In a comprehensive analysis, 2594 neonates underwent echocardiographic screening. From these, 556 were selected for detailed radiomics analysis, focusing on cardiac shape, movement, and texture features. A multiblock sparse partial least squares (sPLS) model integrated these features to assess their association with PE/E. RESULTS: Newborns from PE/E-affected pregnancies displayed lower left ventricular ejection fractions compared to the control group (61.1 % vs. 66.2 %). Our radiomics approach extracted 15,494 features per neonate, with the sPLS model identifying 17 features significantly correlated with PE/E. Among these, texture features representing myocardial non-compaction were most strongly correlated with PE/E (correlation coefficient r = 0.63). Detailed visualization of these texture features suggested that PE/E might lead to more pronounced myocardial non-compaction, characterized by a thicker non-compaction layer and increased cardiac trabeculation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the potential of echocardiographic radiomics as a tool for assessing the impact of PE/E on neonatal cardiac function. The correlation between PE/E and myocardial non-compaction underlines the need for enhanced cardiac monitoring in neonates born to PE/E-affected mothers. This study contributes to a better understanding of PE/E's cardiac implications, potentially guiding future clinical practices.

Prediction of preeclampsia from retinal fundus images via deep learning in singleton pregnancies: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Early prediction of preeclampsia (PE) is of universal importance in controlling the disease process. Our study aimed to assess the feasibility of using retinal fundus images to predict preeclampsia via deep learning in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine. Eligible participants included singleton pregnancies who presented for prenatal visits before 14 weeks of gestation from September 1, 2020, to February 1, 2022. Retinal fundus images were obtained using a nonmydriatic digital retinal camera during their initial prenatal visit upon admission before 20 weeks of gestation. In addition, we generated fundus scores, which indicated the predictive value of hypertension, using a hypertension detection model. To evaluate the predictive value of the retinal fundus image-based deep learning algorithm for preeclampsia, we conducted stratified analyses and measured the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. We then conducted sensitivity analyses for validation. RESULTS: Our study analyzed a total of 1138 women, 92 pregnancies developed into hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including 26 cases of gestational hypertension and 66 cases of preeclampsia. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of the fundus scores was 2.582 (95% CI, 1.883-3.616; P  < 0.001). Otherwise, in the categories of prepregnancy BMI less than 28.0 and at least 28.0, the aORs were 3.073 (95%CI, 2.265-4.244; P  < 0.001) and 5.866 (95% CI, 3.292-11.531; P  < 0.001). In the categories of maternal age less than 35.0 and at least 35.0, the aORs were 2.845 (95% CI, 1.854-4.463; P  < 0.001) and 2.884 (95% CI, 1.794-4.942; P  < 0.001). The AUC of the fundus score combined with risk factors was 0.883 (sensitivity, 0.722; specificity, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.834-0.932) for predicting preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the use of deep learning algorithm-based retinal fundus images offers promising predictive value for the early detection of preeclampsia.

Ophthalmic artery Doppler and biomarkers of impaired placentation at 36 weeks' gestation in pregnancies with small fetuses.

OBJECTIVES: First, to compare ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio and biomarkers of impaired placentation at 36 weeks' gestation in women who delivered a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or growth-restricted (FGR) neonate, in the absence of hypertensive disorder, with those of women who developed pre-eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) and of women unaffected by SGA, FGR, PE or GH. Second, to examine the associations of PSV ratio, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) with birth-weight Z-score or percentile. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of women with a singleton pregnancy attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, ultrasound examination of fetal anatomy and growth, and measurement of maternal ophthalmic artery PSV ratio, UtA-PI, PlGF and sFlt-1. Values of PSV ratio, UtA-PI, PlGF and sFlt-1 were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) or delta values. Median MoM or deltas of these biomarkers in the SGA, FGR, PE and GH groups were compared with those in the unaffected group. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of PSV ratio delta, UtA-PI MoM, PlGF MoM and sFlt-1 MoM with birth-weight Z-score, after exclusion of PE and GH cases. RESULTS: The study population of 9033 pregnancies included 7696 (85.2%) that were not affected by FGR, SGA, PE or GH, 182 (2.0%) complicated by FGR in the absence of PE or GH, 698 (7.7%) with SGA in the absence of FGR, PE or GH, 236 (2.6%) with PE and 221 (2.4%) with GH. Compared with unaffected pregnancies, in the FGR and SGA groups, the PSV ratio delta and sFlt-1 MoM were increased and PlGF MoM was decreased; UtA-PI MoM was increased in the FGR group but not the SGA group. The magnitude of the changes in biomarker values relative to the unaffected group was smaller in the FGR and SGA groups than that in the PE and GH groups. In non-hypertensive pregnancies, there were significant inverse associations of PSV ratio delta and UtA-PI MoM with birth-weight Z-score, such that the values were increased in small babies and decreased in large babies. There was a quadratic relationship between PlGF MoM and birth-weight Z-score, with low PlGF levels in small babies and high PlGF levels in large babies. There was no significant association between sFlt-1 MoM and birth-weight Z-score. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic artery PSV ratio, reflective of peripheral vascular resistance, and UtA-PI, PlGF and sFlt-1, biomarkers of impaired placentation, are altered in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorder and, to a lesser extent, in non-hypertensive pregnancies delivering a SGA or FGR neonate. The associations between the biomarkers and birth-weight Z-score suggest the presence of a continuous physiological relationship between fetal size and peripheral vascular resistance and placentation, rather than a dichotomous relationship of high peripheral resistance and impaired placentation in small compared to non-small fetuses. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Spiral, uterine artery doppler and placental ultrasound in relation to preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multiorgan disorder that complicates around 2-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. PE is a clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension secondary to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and syncytiotrophoblast stress leading to hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction. The uterine arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus. They give off branches and plays an important role in maintaining blood supply during pregnancy. The arcuate artery originates from the uterine artery and runs medially through the myometrium. The arcuate arteries divide almost directly into anterior and posterior branches, from which the radial artery leads directly to the uterine cavity during their course. Near the endometrium-myometrium junction, the radial artery generates spiral arteries within the basal layer and functional endometrium. The walls of radial and spiral arteries are rich in smooth muscle, which is lost when trophoblast cells invade and become large-caliber vessels. This physiological transformation of uteroplacental spiral arteries is critical for successful placental implantation and normal placental function. In normal pregnancy, the luminal diameter of the spiral arteries is greatly increased, and the vascular smooth muscle is replaced by trophoblast cells. This process and changes in the spiral arteries are called spiral artery remodeling. In PE, this genetically and immunologically governed process is deficient and therefore there is decreased vascular capacitance and increased resistance in the uteroplacental circulation. Furthermore, this defect in uteroplacental spiral artery remodeling is not only associated with early onset PE, but also with fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and spontaneous premature rupture of membranes. Doppler ultrasound allows non-invasive assessment of placentation, while the flow impedance decreases as the pregnancy progresses in normal pregnancies, in those destined to develop preeclampsia the impedance is increased.

The clinical value of combining shear wave elastography, VOCAL technique, and T2* MRI of early gestation placenta to predict pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of combining shear wave elastography (SWE) with the Volumetric Organ Computer-Aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) technique and T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict pre-eclampsia (PE). METHODS: From December 2022 to March 2023, we recruited 31 pregnant women diagnosed with PE at our hospital as the observation group and 85 normal pregnant women as the control group. Differences in placental elasticity, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI), and T2* MRI perfusion fraction (f) were compared between the two groups. Received operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of placental elasticity, VI, FI, VFI, f, and their combination for predicting PE. RESULTS: Placental elasticity was higher in the observation group than in the control group, while VI, FI, VFI, and f were lower in the observation group (all p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for placental elasticity, VI, FI, VFI, f, and their combination for predicting PE were 0.85, 0.77, 0.78, 0.84, 0.65, and 0.94, respectively. The sensitivity was 71%, 55%, 94%, 65%, 55%, and 81%. The specificity was 92%, 91%, 60%, 92%, 79%, and 98%. The combined prediction model had a higher AUC than the individual predictors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SWE combined with VOCAL technique and T2* MRI has high value for predicting PE and can provide reference information for clinical diagnosis.

Ophthalmic artery Doppler at 36 weeks' gestation in prediction of pre-eclampsia: validation and update of previous model.

OBJECTIVE: To validate and extend a model incorporating maternal ophthalmic artery Doppler at 35-37 weeks' gestation in the prediction of subsequent development of pre-eclampsia (PE). METHODS: This was a prospective validation study of screening for PE (defined according to the 2019 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria) by maternal ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio in 6746 singleton pregnancies undergoing routine care at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation (validation dataset). Additionally, the data from the validation dataset were combined with those of 2287 pregnancies that were previously used for development of the model (training dataset), and the combined data were used to update the original model parameters. The competing-risks model was used to estimate the individual patient-specific risk of delivery with PE at any time and within 3 weeks from assessment by a combination of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history with PSV ratio alone and in combination with the established PE biomarkers of mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). We evaluated the predictive performance of the model by examining, first, the ability to discriminate between the PE and non-PE groups using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve and the detection rate (DR) at fixed screen-positive (SPR) and false-positive rates of 10% and, second, calibration by measuring the calibration slope and calibration-in-the-large. McNemar's test was used to compare the performance of screening by a biophysical test (maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI and PSV ratio) vs a biochemical test (maternal factors, PlGF and sFlt-1), low PlGF concentration (< 10th percentile) or high sFlt-1/PlGF concentration ratio (> 90th percentile). RESULTS: In the validation dataset, the performance of screening by maternal factors and PSV ratio for delivery with PE within 3 weeks and at any time after assessment was consistent with that in the training dataset, and there was good agreement between the predicted and observed incidence of PE. In the combined data from the training and validation datasets, good prediction for PE was achieved in screening by a combination of maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI, PlGF, sFlt-1 and PSV ratio, with a DR, at a 10% SPR, of 85.0% (95% CI, 76.5-91.4%) for delivery with PE within 3 weeks and 65.7% (95% CI, 59.2-71.7%) for delivery with PE at any time after assessment. The performance of a biophysical test was superior to that of screening by low PlGF concentration or high sFlt-1/PlGF concentration ratio but not significantly different from the performance of a biochemical test combining maternal factors with PlGF and sFlt-1 for both PE within 3 weeks and PE at any time after assessment. CONCLUSION: Maternal ophthalmic artery PSV ratio at 35-37 weeks' gestation in combination with other biomarkers provides effective prediction of subsequent development of PE. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Routine first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening and maternal left ventricular geometry.

OBJECTIVE: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication associated with premature cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality (i.e. before 60 years of age or in the first year postpartum). PE is associated with adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling in the peri- and postpartum periods, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare LV geometry by LV mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) between participants with a high vs low screening risk for preterm PE in the first trimester. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks' gestation that underwent screening for preterm PE as part of their routine first-trimester ultrasound assessment at a tertiary center in London, UK, from February 2019 until March 2020. Screening for preterm PE was performed using the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm. Participants with a screening risk of ≥ 1 in 50 for preterm PE were classified as high risk and those with a screening risk of ≤ 1 in 500 were classified as low risk. All participants underwent two-dimensional and M-mode transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: A total of 128 participants in the first trimester of pregnancy were included in the analysis, with 57 (44.5%) participants screened as low risk and 71 (55.5%) participants as high risk for PE. The risk groups did not vary in maternal age and gestational age at assessment. Maternal body surface area and body mass index were significantly higher in the high-risk group (all P < 0.05). The high-risk participants were significantly more likely to be Afro-Caribbean, nulliparous and have a family history of hypertensive disease in pregnancy as well as other cardiovascular disease (all P < 0.05). In addition, mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001), mean heart rate (P < 0.001), median LVM (130.06 (interquartile range, 113.62-150.50) g vs 97.44 (81.68-114.16) g; P < 0.001) and mean LVMI (72.87 ± 12.2 g/m2 vs 57.54 ± 12.72 g/m2 ; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the high-risk group. Consequently, those in the high-risk group were more likely to have abnormal LV geometry (37.1% vs 7.0%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early echocardiographic assessment in participants at high risk of preterm PE may unmask clinically healthy individuals who are at increased risk for future cardiovascular disease. Adverse cardiac remodeling in the first trimester of pregnancy may be an indicator of decreased cardiovascular reserve and subsequent dysfunctional cardiovascular adaptation in pregnancy. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Uterine arteries pulsatility index by Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of preeclampsia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication with serious potential risks for maternal and neonatal health. Early prediction of preeclampsia is crucial for timely prevention, surveillance, and treatment to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence on the prediction of preeclampsia based on Doppler ultrasound of uterine arteries at different gestational ages. METHODS: A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the pulsatility index of Doppler ultrasound of uterine arteries for predicting preeclampsia. The timing of ultrasound scans within and beyond 20 weeks of gestational age was compared to assess its effect on the sensitivity and specificity of the pulsatility index. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 27 studies and 81,673 subjects (3309 preeclampsia patients and 78,364 controls). The pulsatility index had moderate sensitivity (0.586) and high specificity for predicting preeclampsia (0.879) (summary point: sensitivity 0.59; 1-specificity 0.12). Subgroup analysis revealed that ultrasound scans performed within 20 weeks of gestational age did not significantly affect the sensitivity and specificity for predicting preeclampsia. The summary receiver operator characteristic curve showed the pulsatility index's optimal range of sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The uterine arteries pulsatility index measured by Doppler ultrasound is useful and effective for predicting preeclampsia and should be implemented in the clinical practice. The timing of ultrasound scans at different gestational age ranges does not significantly affect the sensitivity and specificity.

Preeclampsia prediction model using demographic, clinical, and sonographic data in the second trimester of Japanese nulliparous women.

AIM: This study aimed to clarify the factors influencing preeclampsia (PE) development in nulliparous Japanese women and to develop a PE prediction model using second trimester sonographic and clinical data readily available to obstetricians. METHODS: This historical cohort study examined the obstetric records of nulliparous women who delivered at Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital from January 2019 to May 2023. A model was constructed to predict the PE development rate, with a focus on 796 nulliparous women. The assessed outcome was PE, excluding superimposed PE. Data on maternal age, assisted reproductive technology, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery notching, and umbilical artery resistance index were extracted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted on these five factors. RESULTS: The incidence of PE was 4.3% (34/796). Multivariable analysis indicated significant odds ratios for the association of PE with mean arterial pressure (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.10) and uterine artery notching (adjusted odds ratio: 6.28, 95% confidence interval: 2.82-14.0) in nulliparous women. The PE prediction formula was established as follows: Probability of PE development (%) = (odds/1 + odds) × 100, odds = ex and x = -11.3 + 0.039 × maternal age (years) + 0.91 × assisted reproductive technology + 0.061 × mean arterial pressure (mmHg) + 1.84 × uterine artery notching + 1.84 × umbilical artery resistance index. The sensitivity and specificity of this model were 58.8% and 84.5%, respectively (area under the curve: 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide a prediction formula targeting the Japanese population. Our specialized model for nulliparous women could guide obstetricians to educate women regarding the precise prospect of PE development.

The value of TDI combined with myocardial strain parameters in quantitative evaluation of left heart function in parturient with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

This study aimed to investigate the value of tissue doppler imaging (TDI) and 4D myocardial strain parameters in evaluating left heart function of pregnant women with hypertension and the association between these parameters and relevant factors. Forty-five pregnant women with hypertensive disorder, including 20 with hypertension, 15 with mild preeclampsia, and 10 with severe preeclampsia, were recruited, and their cardiac functions were compared with those of 30 healthy pregnant women as controls. High Left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), Left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/e were observed in hypertensive disorder, while Mitral peak diastolic velocity(E), Early diastolic peak velocity(e), E/A, Left ventricularglobal longitudinal strain (LVGLS), Left ventricularglobal area strain (LVGAS), and Left atrialglobal longitudinal strain (LAGLS) were decreased; for pre-eclampsia, Left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), Left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAD-ap), LVESV, LAVI were significantly increased, LVGLS, LAGLS were significantly decreased, Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), A peak, E/e were increased, while E peak, E/A, e, Left ventricle global radial strain (LVGRS), Left ventricle global circumferential strain (LVGCS), LVGAS were decreased but not significantly; for severe preeclampsia, Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LVESD, LAD-ap, Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LVESV, LAVI, A, and E/e were significantly increased, while LVGLS, LVGRS, LVGCS, LVGAS, LAGLS, E peak, E/A, and e were significantly reduced. TDI combined with 4D myocardial strain parameters can detect early changes in cardiac function of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, with LVGLS, LVGAS, and LAGLS being the most sensitive indicators for early changes. Such findings provide a basis for effective clinical treatment of these symptoms.

Prediction of adverse outcome by ophthalmic artery Doppler and angiogenic markers in pregnancies with new onset hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the ophthalmic artery Doppler peak systolic velocity ratio (OA PSV-ratio) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF ratio) in predicting adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in women presenting with new onset hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study in a specialist hypertension clinic, within a tertiary referral centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison between the OA PSV-ratio and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting delivery within one week from presentation and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes e.g. severe hypertension, neonatal unit admission, small for gestational age. RESULTS: Women who delivered within one week, compared to those who did not, had a higher OA PSV-ratio (0.82 vs 0.71, p < 0.01) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (93.3 vs 40.5, p = 0.08). Independent predictors of the OA PSV-ratio included mean arterial pressure and maternal weight and predictors of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio included diastolic blood pressure and use of antihypertensive medications. Prediction of adverse outcomes with both ratios were similar and only modest e.g. AUROC for predicting delivery within one week for OA PSV-ratio was 0.57 (95% CI 0.47-0.67) and for sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was 0.61 (95% CI 0.52-0.70) (p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: In women presenting with new onset hypertension, the OA PSV-ratio and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio have similar and modest performance in predicting adverse outcomes.

Is a sFlt-1/PlGF cutoff of 38 suitable to predict adverse outcomes in pregnancies with abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the second trimester?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal cutoff value for the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio to predict maternal and fetal adverse events in pregnancies with uterine artery Doppler scans results above the 95th percentile in the late second trimester. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, observational cohort study on 116 asyntomatic patients with abnormal uterine artery Doppler scans at gestational week 25. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was determined within the weeks 25 to 29 of gestation and ROC curve analysis performed. The diagnostic validity of different cutoff values to predict severe maternal and fetal complications, i.e. preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and fetal death, was analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: An ideal cutoff for sFlt-1/PlGF ratios in pregnancies with abnormal uterine artery Doppler in the second trimester. RESULTS: Applying a cutoff point of 38, the area under the ROC curve was 0.89, generally considered low risk in fetal and maternal complication prediction. The sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity 98.4%, the positive predictive value (PPV) 94.4%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) 63.3%. A cutoff value of 10, leading to the highest Youden index, performed best at detecting overall complications, increasing sensitivity to 69.8% and the NPV to 76.8%. at the cost of a reduced specificity and PPV. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnancies with abnormal uterine artery Doppler in the second trimester, an sFlt-1/PlGF cutoff value greater than equal to 38 improves its predictive power for adverse events.

Sonographic evaluation of maternal uterine artery from 11 - 30 weeks 6 days of gestational age in a Nigerian population: A predictive index for pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler sonography is a potential screening tool for pregnancy complications in placental insufficiency. Evaluation of the maternal and fetal vessels in pregnancy ensures accurate identification and prediction of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR). The study aims to establish local reference values for UtA in a Nigerian population. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 230 pregnant women. All participants had their left (Lt) and right (RT) UtAs evaluated with a Doppler ultrasound from 11 to 30 weeks 6 days of gestational age. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), End diastolic Velocity (EDV), Systolic/Diastolic ratio (S/D), Pulsatility Index (PI), and Resistivity Index (RI) were measured and documented. RESULTS: The mean values of UtA at 11-30 weeks 6 days of GA ranged as follows: 0.79-0.53 (RI), 1.83-0.79 (PI), 5.16-2.23 (S/D), 96.37-98.00 (PSV) & 26.07-44.14 (EDV). While the mean values of the Rt. & Lt. UtA 's ranged as follows: 0.79-0.50 (RI. Rt), 0.78-0.56 (RI. Lt), 2.05-0.80 (PI. Rt), 1.61-0.78 (PI. Lt), 6.03-2.13 (S/D. Rt), 4.29-2.33 (S/D. Lt), 89.79-99.23 (PSV. Rt), 102.76-96.71 (PSV. Lt) & 23.31-45.25 (EDV. Rt), 28.83-43.02 (EDV. Lt) respectively. CONCLUSION: UtA Doppler reference range was established in the study population. These reference ranges will be of clinical value in daily obstetric practice. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Obstetricians and sonographers will apply these values for early prediction of pregnancies at risk of complications in the locality.

First trimester SHARP1 and second-trimester uterine artery Doppler to predict preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the predictive value of the first-trimester serum SHARP1 level and the second-trimester uterine artery Doppler in singleton pregnancy for the prediction of preeclampsia. METHODS: A prospective study including singleton pregnancy presenting at an antenatal clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University from 2019-March 2020 was conducted. Serum SHARP1 was collected at the gestational age (GA) of 11-13+6 weeks, and transabdominal uterine artery Doppler ultrasound was performed at GA of 18-24 weeks. Serum SHARP1 level and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) were combined to calculate the predictive value for preeclampsia detection. RESULTS: 288 pregnant women were enrolled in the first trimester, but only 249 participants completed the study. Thirteen patients had preeclampsia (5.2%), which three cases (1.2%) had early-onset preeclampsia. The median serum SHARP1 level in the first trimester of pregnant women with preeclampsia was lower than the normal pregnancy group (1392 pg/ml vs. 1941 pg/ml, p = 0.046). The second-trimester uterine artery PI and prevalence of early diastolic notching were higher in the preeclampsia group than in the normal pregnancy group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.001, respectively). When the first-trimester serum SHARP1 level is combined with the second-trimester uterine artery PI, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for preeclampsia prediction were 84.6%, 47.5%, 8.2%, and 98.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that serum SHARP1 level in the first trimester combined with the uterine artery PI in the second trimester had good sensitivity to predict preeclampsia.

Correlation of Ocular Plane-Wave Doppler With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and compromised fetal blood supply. The eye, like other end organs, is affected by this systemic condition, but unlike in other organs, ocular media transparency allows high-resolution optical visualization of the vascular structure of the retina. Our aim was to assess how ultrasound-determined ocular blood-flow correlates with vascular structure of the retina and choriocapillaris determined by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Plane-wave ultrasound and OCTA were performed on both eyes of 40 consecutive subjects consisting of normal controls (n = 11), mild PE (n = 5), severe PE (n = 17) and chronic or gestational hypertension (n = 7) within 72 hours following delivery. From ultrasound, we measured pulsatile flow velocity and resistance indices in the central retinal artery (CRA) and vein, the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) and choroid. From OCTA, we measured vascular density (VD) in the superficial, deep retina and choriocapillaris. We determined differences in Doppler and OCTA parameters among groups and correlations between ultrasound and OCTA. RESULTS: In severe PE, flow resistance was reduced with respect to controls. Flow velocity and resistance in the and SPCA were moderately correlated with VD in the choriocapillaris and peripapillary retina, but VD in PE did not differ significantly from controls. CONCLUSIONS: Although OCTA parameters were moderately correlated with Doppler ultrasound, OCTA did not demonstrate significant differences between PE and controls postpartum.

Quantitative analysis of choroidal morphology in preeclampsia during pregnancy according to retinal change.

We sought to investigate changes in choroidal hemodynamics in preeclampsia according to presence of retinal change by quantitatively assessing choroidal vessels using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This retrospective study included 106 eyes (of 53 patients) with preeclampsia, including 70 eyes without retinal change in patients with preeclampsia (Group A), 22 eyes with retinal change in patients with preeclampsia (Group B), and 14 eyes of normal pregnant women (controls). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured on OCT B-scan images, and choroidal vessel densities (CVDs) were calculated using binarized OCT B-scan and en face images. Their values were then correlated with clinical parameters associated with preeclampsia. SFCT was greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (354.32 ± 65.13 vs. 288 ± 55.68 or 277.21 ± 50.08, both P < 0.001). CVD on B-scan images was greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (76.4 ± 4.9 vs. 73.7 ± 5.3 or 71.5 ± 5.1; both P ≤ 0.046). CVD on en face images was also greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (64.7 ± 0.8 vs. 63.6 ± 1.5 or 63.3 ± 1.3; both P ≤ 0.001). SFCT and CVD positively correlated with each other (P ≤ 0.009) and were greater in patients with blurred vision and vaginal bleeding (P ≤ 0.020 for blurred vision and P ≤ 0.024 for vaginal bleeding). SFCT and CVDs were higher in preeclampsia patients with retinal change compared to those without retinal change or controls. Both SFCT and CVD showed association with blurred vision and vaginal bleeding.

Initial establishment and validation of a predictive model for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies based on maternal characteristics and echocardiographic parameters.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal echocardiographic changes and the occurrence of preeclampsia (PE) in twin pregnancies. Additionally, we established and validated a prediction model for PE in twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first part of this study was retrospective and included data from 854 twin pregnancies that received antenatal care at Peking University Third Hospital from April 2017 to April 2021 (training cohort). Overall, 159 women who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were included in the analysis. To build a predictive model, cardiac findings were compared between normotensive women and those with PE. The model was then validated in a prospective longitudinal cohort (test cohort) that included 109 women with twin pregnancies who underwent two consecutive transthoracic echocardiography examinations during the second and third trimesters. RESULTS: Fifty-four normotensive women and 105 women with PE were analyzed in the retrospective cohort that was used to build the model in which later preeclampsia was associated with higher left ventricular mass index (>61 g/m2 ), interventricular septal thickness (>7.87 mm), left atrial anteroposterior diameter (>33.5 mm), mitral inflow late diastolic velocity (A) (>0.685 m/s), ratio of early diastolic velocity (E) and peak early diastolic myocardial velocity of the lateral mitral annulus (>6.5), and lower peak early diastolic myocardial velocity (<13.1 cm/s). The optimized PE prediction model based on the interventricular septal thickness, left atrial anteroposterior diameter, A, peak early diastolic myocardial velocity and pre-pregnancy bodyweight index was then established (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.840, 95% CI 0.778-0.903, P < 0.001). The model was tested in the prospective cohort including 87 normotensive women and 22 women with PE; the validation test showed that the prediction model in the second (AUC = 0.801) and third (AUC = 0.811) trimesters had high discriminative ability and calibration. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal echocardiographic changes in twin pregnancies are associated with the development of preeclampsia. The model constructed, based on the echocardiographic parameters and body mass index, provides novel ideas for the prediction of PE.