Publication:

A prospective study to determine the predictive ability of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy-gestosis score for the development of pre-eclampsia

Background Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDP)-gestosis score is a risk scoring system (score 1-3) for the development of pre-eclampsia. When a pregnant woman’s total score is equal to or greater than 3, she is labelled as “at risk for pre-eclampsia” and is managed accordingly. Objectives were to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of HDP-gestosis score for predicting pre-eclampsia (PE).

Methods This prospective study included 100 pregnant women who presented at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, the patients were assessed for the development of pre-eclampsia. Details of age, gravida, obstetric history, menstrual cycle regularity, polycystic ovarian disease history, duration of marriage, parity, past medical and surgical intervention, previous/present medication, and family history were taken. Gestosis score was calculated and classified into mild (score of 1), moderate (score of 2) and high risk (score of ≥ 3) for the development of PE. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of HDP-gestosis score for predicting the development of PE were determined.

Results The mean age, gestational age, and body mass index (BMI) of the women were 28.4±6.8 years, 11.5±2.04 weeks, and 24.5±3.7 kg/m2, respectively. The gestosis score was 2 in 43.13% of the participants, 1 in 42.28%, and ≥3 in 14.59% of the women. PE developed in 15.01% (n=71) participants. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of HDP-gestosis score for predicting PE were 83.1%, 97.51%, 85.51%, 97.03% and 95.35%, respectively.

Conclusions Gestosis score is a novel early marker for prediction of the development of PE allowing for a prompt management for the patients, thereby curbing the adverse consequences.