Placental laterality detected by USG as predictor for the development of preeclampsia

Objective: To find out whether placental laterality as determined by ultrasound can be used as a predictor for development of preeclampsia. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 200 singleton pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were included. The location of the placenta was determined by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of gestation. These 200 pts were divided into two groups with group A (100) having lateral placenta and group B (100) having central placenta. The location of the placenta was determined by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of gestation. These patients were followed till term. The end point of the study was the development of the preeclampsia as per the ACOG criteria. Results: Total of 200 patients were taken and allotted into two groups with group A comprising 100 patients with lateral placenta and group B of 100 patients with central placenta. Out of 100 patients with lateral placenta 39(39%) developed preeclampsia compared to 11% in patients with central placenta. This relationship was statistically significant (p value <0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of using placental laterality asscreeningtest were 78% and 59.33% respectively. Conclusion: Placental laterality as determined by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks; is a simple yet reliable and cost effective screening test for prediction of development of preeclampsia.