Point-of-care Ultrasound Abnormalities in Early Onset Preeclampsia

The study is planned to describe the prevalence and severity of cardiac, lung and optic-nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) ultrasound abnormalities in women with early onset preeclampsia with severe features. These findings will be compared with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) abnormalities demonstrated in our recent study on late onset preeclampsia. The primary aim of the current study will be to examine the association between pulmonary interstitial edema (PIS), as identified by lung ultrasound, and cardiac dysfunction on echocardiography, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), in early onset preeclampsia, after comprehensive echocardiographic assessment. The secondary aims are to assess ONSD, and to explore the association between PIS or ONSD and serum albumin. A further secondary aim will be to explore the association between POCUS abnormalities and cardiotocography abnormalities and early delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:1. Patients diagnosed and admitted with early onset preeclampsia with severe featuresExclusion Criteria:Body mass index (BMI) > 50 kg/m2Clinical evidence of pulmonary oedemaThe presence of a non-reassuring fetal heart traceActive labourChronic pulmonary disease, or acute asthmaCollagen disordersChronic renal or hepatic diseaseUrinary tract infectionChorioamnionitisIntrauterine fetal deathPatients unable to provide informed consent