First trimester screening for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a medical disorder that occurs in approximately 2-8% of all pregnancies. It characterised by high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation. PE has a wide spectrum of severity and can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus, especially in severe early onset cases. Early identification of women who are at risk of developing this condition is important as there is now evidence showing that the prevalence of PE can be halved by commencing pregnant women on low-dose Aspirin prior 16 weeks’ gestation.

Using Bayes theorem, a mathematical model that combines prior information from maternal characteristics, obstetric and medical history, uterine artery PI, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and maternal serum PAPP-A and PlGF, at 11-13 weeks’ gestation, can correctly identify a significant proportion of women who are at high-risk for preterm PE during pregnancy.

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.

To apply for CPD after watching on-demand, please email nurseledconferences@markallengroup.com