First- and second-trimester prediction of preeclampsia by increased carotid intima-media-thickness

Introduction: Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) is an established marker for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to assess IMT in the first trimester and it's predictive value for preeclampsia (PE). Methods: We measured cIMT in 700 pregnant women (31 ± 5 years), 347 in the first (T1: 11.4 ± 1.9 wks) and 543 in the second trimester (T2: 21.5 ± 2.3 wks) using high-resolution ultrasound and an automated reading program. Results: 82 women (32 ± 5 years) developed PE, including 31 early onset (eoPE), 24 late onset (loPE), 10 superimposed early onset (sePE) and 17 superimpose…