role of some clinical and laboratory tests in the prediction of preeclampsia

ABSTRACT

Eighty eight healthy primigravida women studied in the period between 14-24 weeks and in the period between 28-32 weeks of gestation to predict the later development of preeclampsia. Urine evaluated for microalbuminuria and calcium excretion [calcium/creatinine ratio], also plasma fibronectin and isometric hand grip exercise test [IHET] were measured. Preeclampsia developed in 17 women [19.3%]. Plasma fibronectin was found to have the best sensitivity positive and negative predictive values while IHET had the best specificity in the period between 14-24 weeks. In the period between 28-32 weeks plasma fibronectin showed the best sensitivity, specificity positive and negative predictive values. The best results were obtained in the two periods when plasma fibronectin was combined with calcium/creatinine ratio, yet combination is not superior to the results of plasma fibronectin alone