Abstract
BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is of major complications of pregnancy that is associated with maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prediction and early diagnosis of preeclampsia would be helpful for better controlling of related complications. Our study aimed to investigate risk factors helping to predict and early diagnose of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 739 nulliparous women at their 24-28(th) weeks of the first pregnancy were enrolled in this multi-center cohort study. Incidence or absence of preeclampsia in this population was evaluated up to the end of pregnancy period. For each case, a record sheet was assigned that contained information about haematocrit level in weeks 24-28(th) of pregnancy, blood pressure, result of roll-over test in weeks 24-28(th) of pregnancy and the presence of disease up to end of the study. Diagnosis of preeclampsia was made based on gold standard. RESULTS: Overall, 3.9 % of all cases developed preeclampsia. The mean maternal age, body mass index (BMI), years of education and positive roll-over test were significantly higher in preeclampsia group (P < 0.001). However, the mean gestational age and changes in the levels of haematocrit were significantly higher in normotensive cases (P < 0.001). Our combined model could predict preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION: Simple combined model of demographic characteristics including maternal age, BMI, years of education and positive roll-over tests can predict preeclampsia without any cost for the patients.