Motivation and background

Great advances in prediction and diagnosis have been achieved over the last years by discovery of biomarkers, especially of placental origin and already some of them have been tested in large clinical trial and have been introduced into current clinical practice. However, the performance of these biomerkes in prediction of preeclmapsia is still far from perfection and continuous research in this field is required and it great resources will still be allocated in the future.

Main purpose

The aim of this study is to individually assess and compare the performance of the three methods of screening (FMF combined method, sFlt-1/PLGF ration and PLGF alone) in pregnant women attending our maternal-fetal medicine department after 24 weeks gestation with signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and whether inclusion of additional maternal biomarkers such as NT-proBNP or NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) can further increase the accuracy of predicting preeclampsia.

Inclusion criteria

Singleton pregnancies after 24 weeks gestation presenting with high blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg, exacerbation of preexisting hypertension, proteinuria, epigastric pain, persistent headache, visual disturbances, edema, low platelet count, elevated liver-enzyme levels, abnormal uterine artery Doppler, intrauterine fetal growth restriction

Project Management

Assistant Prof Dr. Ciobanu Anca Marina- project director

Associate Prof Dr. Panitescu Anca Maria- Mentor

Results and dissemination

We aim to detect the best alternative in early predicition of delivering with preeclampsia and to increase the performance of the existing algorithms. By identifying a higher proportion of women who will develop preeclampsia, the clinicians will plan a closed montoring, will provide adequate care for the mother and the fetus and would allow planned delivery. All these measures will have a great impact in decreasing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

We aim to publish the results of the study in representative international journals and the project leader, but also the mentor and the host institution will gain visibility by providing solid data on a subject of great interest worldwide.

Future research