Second trimester ambulatory blood pressure in nulliparous pregnancy: a useful screening test for pre‐eclampsia?

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Abstract
Objective To assess the effectiveness of second trimester 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement as a screening test for pre‐eclampsia. Design Prospective interventional study. Setting John Radcliffe Maternity Hospital, Oxford, and Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London. Subjects One hundred and sixty‐two normotensive nulliparous women recruited at hospital booking clinics. Intervention Ambulatory blood pressure was measured at 18 and 28 weeks gestation using the TM2420 monitor. Main outcome measure The development of pre‐eclampsia. Results Awake systolic and mean arterial pressures were significantly increased (PPP<0.002) The sensitivity in predicting pre‐eclampsia for a mean arterial pressure of 85 mmHg or greater at 28 weeks was 65%, with a positive predictive value of 31 %. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for a test combining a mean arterial pressure of 85 mmHg or greater and a heart rate of 90 bpm or greater were 53% and 45%, respectively. Conclusion Although second trimester ambulatory blood pressure is significantly increased in women who later develop pre‐eclampsia, the predictive values for blood pressure alone are low. The efficiency of the test is increased by combining the awake ambulatory heart rate and blood pressure measurement together. If an effective method for preventing pre‐eclampsia becomes available (commencing at 28 weeks gestation), then awake ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate may have some clinical value as a screening test.

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