Advancements in preeclampsia: innovative screening methods and effective prevention strategies

C.E. Durdu, R.E. Bohîlțea

Rezumat: Preeclampsia, affecting 5-10% of pregnancies, is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The complications include intrauterine growth restriction, eclampsia, placental abruption, and HELLP syndrome. Effective first-trimester screening, recommended by international societies, considers maternal risk factors such as the PlGF (placental growth factor) value, the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries, and the mean blood pressure. Advances in soluble biomarkers, especially the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, offer improved early diagnosis and management by predicting preeclampsia weeks before the symptoms appear. Preventive measures – notably, low-dose aspirin – have been validated by the ASPRE study, showing a 62% reduction in preterm preeclampsia risk when administered from 11-14 weeks of gestation. Implementing these screening and prevention strategies nationwide, especially in resource-limited areas, is essential to reduce the incidence and to improve the outcomes for mothers and babies.
Cuvinte cheie: preeclampsia, screening, prevention, aspirin, PlGF, sFlt1.