Pulsatility index in combination with biomarkers or mean arterial pressure for the prediction of pre-eclampsia: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Introduction. Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis examining the sensitivity of pulsatility index (PI) and various biomarkers and PI and mean arterial pressure (MAP) for the prediction of pre-eclampsia.

Material and methods. PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase databases were searched from inception until 8 May 2014 using combinations of the search terms: pre-eclampsia, ultrasonography, pregnancy, biomarker, mean arterial pressure, placental protein 13, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, placental growth factor, activin A, inhibin A, pulsatility index. The pooled sensitivity of PI + biomarkers and PI + MAP were calculated, and reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of all biomarkers for the prediction of pre-eclampsia was 0.669 (95% CI 0.610–0.723), for the prediction of early-onset pre-eclampsia was 0.830 (95% CI 0.794–0.861), and for the prediction of late-onset pre-eclampsia was 0.564 (95% CI 0.499–0.627). Similarly, the predictive ability of PI + MAP for early-onset pre-eclampsia was good (sensitivity 0.894), while that for late-onset was poor (sensitivity 0.570).

Conclusion. The combination of PI and different biomarkers or MAP exhibits a good predictive ability for early-onset pre-eclampsia, and poor predictive ability for late-onset pre-eclampsia.