First Trimester Screening For Pre-Eclampsia Using Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index: A Prospective Observational Study at Tertiary Centre in Jaipur, India

Abstract Objective: As it is well known that early detection and timely intervention can prevent severity of pre-eclampsia and thus reduce the associated maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Our objective is to assess if raised uterine artery Doppler Pulsatility Index at 11 to 13+6 weeks can predict pre-eclampsia. Material and Method: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary centre in Jaipur from September 2022 to March 2024. Total of 160 patients reporting to OPD showing raised uterine artery pulsatility index in NT/NB scan were selected and started on Tab Ecosprin. Their detailed history and socioeconomic parameters were recorded. These patients were then followed until term and studied for the development of pre-eclampsia and obstetric management was done according to maternal and fetal condition. Results: Sensitivity (95% CI), Specificity (95% CI), Positive predictive value (95% CI) and Negative predictive value (95% CI) of our study is 84.51%(74.0 - 92.0%), 65.17%(54.3 - 75.0%), 65.9%(55.3 - 75.5%) and 84.1%(73.3 - 91.8%) respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of this test is 73.75% and the p- value is <0.0001. Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia screening is a crucial factor to reduce preeclampsia associated morbidity and mortality. Uterine artery pulsatility index is a non-invasive method for predicting the chance of developing pre-eclampsia. Such patients can be started on Tab ecosprin for the prevention of pre-eclampsia and decreasing the morbidity and mortality and improving both maternal and fetal outcome.