The value of uterine artery Doppler and NT-proBNP levels in the second trimester to predict preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the maternal serum N-Terminal proBNP levels in predicting development of preeclampsia.

METHOD: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The study group consisted of patients with the finding of diastolic notch with abnormal pulsatility index (PI) between 21-24 weeks gestation and the control group consisted of patients without diastolic notch and normal PI. The study included high-risk patients who did not have a history of hypertensive disorder before pregnancy, heart failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, autoimmune disorder or diabetes. The groups were compared in terms of NT-ProBNP levels, development of preeclampsia, obstetric and neonatal problems.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gravidity, parity, uric acid levels, and NT-proBNP levels. There was significant difference between the groups in terms of week of birth, rate of cesarean section and fetal weight. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the two groups when compared in terms of obstetric and neonatal problems (p < 0.05). Obstetric and neonatal problems were more common in the notch with abnormal (PI) group. The NT-pro BNP levels were found to be comparable among groups. Preeclampsia was the most common obstetric problem (11.7%). We were unable to document significant difference in patients who developed preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION: Bilateral notch together with abnormal PI measurements in the uterine artery Doppler screening during the second trimester was associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Such an association was not significant in the NT-proBNP measurements. Larger trials focused on late-onset preeclampsia are needed to draw definitive conclusions.