In this study, the investigators assessed one of the released protein factors during the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. They evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor gene mutation which affects the angiogenesis in case of inadequate placentation and its association with Doppler changes in the pulsatility index of the umbilical artery.

Preeclampsia is a syndrome characterized by occurrence of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves abnormalities in the development of placental vasculature early in pregnancy may result in relative placental under perfusion/hypoxia/ischemia, which then leads to release of factors into the maternal circulation that alter maternal endothelial function and cause hypertension and other manifestations of disease .Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. Human VEGF gene is located on chromosome 6 and consists of 8 exons with alternate splicing, forming a family of proteins. There are several common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VEGF gene, which could alter gene expression and protein production, and alter the risk of developing diseases characterized by deranged angiogenesis including preeclampsia.

Inclusion Criteria:

More than 20 weeks gestation. Preeclamptic patients

Exclusion Criteria:

association with chronic disease (cardiac, hepatic, renal) and if the patient was known to have chronic hypertension.

association with auto-immune disease.

normal and preeclamptic pregnant women after 20 weeks were evaluated for VEGF gene polymorphism.