Point-of-care Ultrasound Abnormalities in Early Onset Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, in both high-, low and-middle-income countries. It is a complex, multisystem disease which, in its severe form, affects the cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurological and haematological systems. The University of Cape Town-associated medical institutions alone were responsible for the treatment of approximately 800 women in 2019, who were classified as having PE with severe features. Recent studies have demonstrated novel markers of severity of PE, including point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), acid-base changes secondary to low serum albumin, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). A study conducted at Mowbray Maternity Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, showed that approximately 59% of women had an abnormality shown by POCUS; 24% had elevated lung water (pulmonary interstitial syndrome [PIS]). These findings could serve as non-invasive markers of disease severity, and thus may be used to predict maternal and fetal outcome in preeclamptic women. POCUS is playing an increasing role in perioperative diagnosis, and newer, less expensive devices are continuously being developed. These will in all likelihood play an important role in South Africa in the near future. In a recent trial performed at the University of Cape Town, a comprehensive acid-base analysis in women with PE with severe features demonstrated significant abnormalities in independent acid-base determinants. In addition, strong indications were found that changes in acid-base status following a decrease in serum albumin are more pronounced in early onset PE, and may be associated with urgent delivery. In other clinical arenas in critically ill patients, low serum albumin is associated with increased lung water, increased intracranial pressure, and outcome. The study team hypothesised that similar associations might be found in women with late onset preeclampsia with severe features. Using POCUS, it was found that there was no association between serum albumin level and PIS or optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). PIS was however associated with cardiac dysfunction, as was BNP. This study is planned to describe the prevalence of pulmonary (PIS), cardiac and optic nerve sheath abnormalities found on ultrasound in women diagnosed with early onset PE with severe features. In a recent study on POCUS findings in late onset preeclampsia, the absence of PIS may exclude raised LVEDP. As a consequence, the primary aim of the current study is to examine the association between PIS, as identified by lung ultrasound and cardiac dysfunction on echocardiography, and BNP, in early onset PE. For this purpose, a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment will be performed. The secondary aims are to explore the association between PIS or ONSD and serum albumin. These findings will be compared with POCUS abnormalities demonstrated in our recent study on late onset PE. In addition, the association will be explored between POCUS abnormalities and CTG abnormalities and early delivery. Using a prospective observational cohort design, patients diagnosed with early onset PE with severe features will be enrolled. If agreeable to participate in the study, a venous blood sample will be taken for the measurement of serum BNP and serum albumin level, followed by a 25-30 minute non-invasive lung, cardiac and optic nerve ultrasound examination. The risks posed to the patients involved in this study are minimal. Discomfort may be experienced due to the sampling of blood, however these will be performed as part of the routine blood sampling in patients with PE. All ultrasound interventions are non-invasive. Patients not included in the study will not be disadvantaged in any way, as no treatment interventions are being proposed. All study participants will be clinically managed by the attending obstetrics team and collaborative involvement with the team will ensure current management standards at the Maternity Centre at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town are maintained. Thus, the 25-30 minute ultrasound examination will not interfere with or compromise standard healthcare to recruited study participants. This observational study carries minimal risk and has the potential to fill a major knowledge gap in the role of ultrasound in the anaesthesia care of preeclamptic patients. This should be of significant future benefit in the South African context, where PE is a leading cause of maternal mortality and pulmonary oedema is a main contributor.