RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of plasma endothelin-1 and thromboxane beta-2 in high risky pregnant women [in the first trimester] who are prone to develop preeclampsia. The study population was composed of 80 high risk pregnant women came for their first routine antenatal care visit during the first trimester. The high risk groups chosen for this study included obese pregnant women, chronic hypertensive pregnant women, diabetic pregnant women, those with past history of preeclampsia or eclampsia, primegravida, old pregnant women [above 35 years old] and multiple gestations. The control group consisted of 20 normal pregnant women without any risk factor. Medical history and physical examination were performed for clinical evaluation of all cases. The results indicated that preeclampsia was developed in 35 cases of the total 80 high risk studied pregnant women. There were highly significant differences between the preeclamptic and non preeclamptic study groups in plasma levels of both endothelin-1 and thromboxane beta-2. It was concluded that maternal plasma endothelin-1 and thromboxane beta-2 levels [at the end of the first trimester] may be useful predictors of subsequent development of preeclampsia in high risk group. They may be used as a guide to start preventive measures as low dose aspirin, fish oil administration, antioxidants and calcium supplementation