Risk Factors and Early Diagnosis of Preeclampsia Through Assessment of Uterine Blood Flow

Abstract

Preeclampsia is one of the most common complications during pregnancy and affects between 5% and 10% of pregnant women worldwide. This hypertensive condition can cause serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus, including kidney and liver complications and eclampsia, which compromise fetal health and development. Measurement of the uterine arteries has been established as a key tool for early detection of preeclampsia risk. Previous studies have shown that blood flow in the uterine arteries can be altered in high-risk patients, allowing early identification of pregnant women who could benefit from prophylactic interventions, such as the use of low-dose aspirin. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the measurement of the uterine arteries and the prevalence of risk of preeclampsia in patients who have been treated with aspirin as a preventive measure. A retrospective study was carried out and data was collected from ultrasounds performed on 15 pregnant women from the Ibarra Clinic during the period January - December 2023. The study concluded that early evaluation using Doppler ultrasound during the first trimester allows identifying pregnant women with higher probability of developing preeclampsia and facilitate early and personalized intervention. In addition, aspirin administered in low doses significantly reduces the risk of hypertensive complications.