Placental Laterality as a Predictor for Development of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria
after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It’s a multiorgan disorder with no recognized cause. It’s one of the most prevalent
pregnancy problems, and it’s a leading cause of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity
Objectives: To determine the placental laterality as a predictor for development of pre-eclampsia.
Methods: 100 pregnant women with gestational age between 18 to 24 weeks with h/o pre-eclampsia were included.
ultrasonography was used to determine the position of the placenta in all 100 women. When the placenta was
evenly divided across the right and left sides of the uterus, regardless of anterior, posterior, or fundal location, it
was categorized as central.
Results: The mean age group was 23.53 ± 3.15 yrs. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia in this study was 14%. This
screening test has Sensitivity of 81%, Specificity of 85.3%, Positive predictive value of 47.2%, Negative predictive
value of 96.43%, p value <0.001 which is significant.
Conclusion: Placental laterality is an excellent screening tool for the prediction of pre-eclampsia aids in the
identification of the individuals particularly at risk, allowing them to be included in a primary prevention
programmes.