Publication:

Examination of the relation of localization of placenta at 18-24 weeks of gestation by ultrasonography with the development of preeclampsia later in pregnancy

Background The aim of the study was to examine the relation of localization of placenta at 18-24 weeks of gestation by ultrasonography with the development of preeclampsia later in pregnancy.

Methods Hospital based Prospective observational Cohort study at department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. BSA Hospital Delhi. 150 pregnant women of gestational age18-24 weeks attending ANC clinic were enrolled for ultrasound examination and on the basis of ultrasonography (USG) findings placenta was classified as Group-A (patient found to have laterally located placenta). And Group-B (patients found to have centrally located placenta). All women in both the group were followed up regularly till term. Study duration was 1 year, June 2017-June 2018.

Results The overall risk of developing Preeclampsia with a late rally located placenta was 8.5(odds ratio) with 95% confidence interval (4.0339 to17.9108). This difference was highly statistically significant (p<.0001). Placental laterality has a sensitivity of 77.27%, beside that it has a good specificity of 71.43% and negative predictive value of 80%. Lateral localization of placenta by ultrasonography at mid trimester can be used as a screening test. The presence of urine albumin in group A was found in 70.67% as compared to 13.33% in group B. This difference was statistically significant. (p=0.0001). Around 72% of total complications were seen in Group-A as compared to 28% in Group-B. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.028).

Conclusions Significant correlation exists between placental laterality and the development of preeclampsia and thus placental localization by ultrasonography in midtrimester (at 18-24 weeks) can be used for prediction of development of preeclampsia later in pregnancy.