Biochemical Markers In The Prediction Of Pre-Eclampsia, Are We There Yet?

Abstract

Over the last two decades various biochemical tests that have been proposed for the prediction of preeclampsia are described and evaluated. These tests are apparently better predictors when preeclampsia supervenes shortly. Thus, explaining why screening in the first trimester is unlikely to produce results as in the second trimester. The current use of multiple markers in the screening reflects that different aspects of the disease processes being evaluated hence are increasing the specificity and sensitivity of the screening tests which works on different contributing factors in its etiology. Ultimately to be practical, the screening tests needs to be simple, fast and cost effective. Urinary soluble endoglin, different profiles of Angiogenic factors ,cellfree DNA of the fetal erythrocytes, proteomics are selectively promising as future biochemical markers Some of these tests are currently available for clinical use, whereas others exist only in the laboratory in view of its cost.