Evaluation of Uterine Artery Impedance at Gestational Age 16 to 20 weeks and its Relationship with Early-Onset Preeclampsia

Background & Objective: Preeclampsia with a prevalence of 2-8% in all pregnancies is one of the most common, unpredictable, and dangerous complications of pregnancy. Doppler examination of the uterine artery can be more effective in predicting preeclampsia. The present study was conducted with aim to determine and characterize the impedance of the uterine artery at gestational age 16 to 20 weeks and its relationship with early onset preeclampsia.Materials & Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 128 pregnant women with gestational age 16 to 20 weeks referred to the maternity clinic of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj from May 2021 to August 2022. The impedance of the uterine arteries on both sides was investigated using Doppler evaluation and Pulsatility index (PI) was reported. Then, The patients were then followed up until delivery and they were examined for early-onset preeclampsia at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23.0) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Fisher's exact and t tests. P<0.05 were considered significant.Results: Eleven mothers (6.8%) were diagnosed with premature preeclampsia. There was a significant relationship between mean gestational age, birth weight and premature preeclampsia in pregnant women (p<0.0001). In addition, a statistically significant relationship was shown between mean PI and premature preeclampsia (p=0.027) and between the number of pregnancies and premature preeclampsia (p=0.001).Conclusion: PI index greater than 1.2 can predict early onset preeclampsia in pregnant women. Additionally, uterine artery Doppler can be used as an indicator to predict preeclampsia in weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy.