Evaluation of Patients With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: An Ambispective Observational Study

Evaluation of Patients With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: An Ambispective Observational Study

The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic role of ultrasound and laboratory parameters, specifically their potential ability to predict severe forms of preeclampsia and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes.

In particular, the aim of the present research is to obtain data on the prognostic value of ultrasonographic and biochemical parameters in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

This is an ambispective, observational cohort study conducted at a national tertiary obstetric center. This study investigates maternal hemodynamic, Doppler, ultrasound, and biochemical parameters as potential predictors of disease progression in women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. The study integrates non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring, placental biomarkers, ophthalmic and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, carotid flow time index (CFTI), optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and lung ultrasound.

The primary objective is to evaluate the prognostic performance of these parameters in predicting severe forms of preeclampsia and adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes. Secondary objectives include assessing the utility of lung ultrasound and carotid Doppler in characterizing maternal fluid status and supporting clinical decision-making regarding fluid management.

At enrollment and near delivery, participants undergo the following assessments:

1. Non-invasive Maternal Hemodynamics (USCOM-1A) Parameters include heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total vascular resistance, inotropy index, pulse pressure, and peripheral vascular measurements. Values will be converted to Z-scores using gestational age-adjusted reference curves where applicable.
2. Placental Biomarkers Maternal blood samples are collected to determine the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as an indicator of angiogenic imbalance.
3. Uterine Artery Doppler Uterine artery systolic peak velocities and pulsatility index are measured bilaterally using standardized transabdominal technique.
4. Ophthalmic Artery Doppler and ONSD Bilateral ophthalmic artery velocimetry is performed in a supine position to assess intracranial vascular impedance. Optic nerve sheath diameter is measured 3 mm behind the globe using a linear probe.
5. Carotid Doppler (CFTI) Carotid flow time index is measured at baseline and after a passive leg raise (PLR) maneuver. A PLR-induced ΔCFTI of 10-15% is explored as a surrogate of fluid responsiveness.
6. Lung Ultrasound (POCUS) Eight thoracic zones are evaluated using a curvilinear probe. The presence and distribution of B-lines are recorded to identify early interstitial pulmonary edema.

Clinical, obstetric, laboratory, and therapeutic data are collected longitudinally until delivery. Maternal and neonatal outcomes include timing of delivery, mode of delivery, birthweight, neonatal morbidity, and the interval between diagnosis and delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension ≥22 weeks
• Age ≥18 years
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• intrauterine fetal demise
• Major fetal anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities
• Maternal cardiac disease or ongoing cardiologic therapy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Twin or multiple pregnancies
• Pregestational diabetes