A comparative study of performance of first trimester FMF algorithm for prediction of preeclampsia in singleton and twin pregnancies in coastal Karnataka
Authors: Hebbar Shripad , Agarwal Sonam 
Published: November 2023

Preeclampsia is one of the most common disorders of pregnancy known to complicate 5-10% of all the pregnancies, and it is a component of the deadly triad (along with haemorrhage and infection), that contributes greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of preeclampsia in twin pregnancy is 3-4 fold compared to singleton pregnancy. Timely diagnosis and prevention of this condition is therefore critical. Multiple maternal factors and placental biomarkers have shown to predict preeclampsia in singleton pregnancies. Previous Studies have shown that the proposed algorithms for preeclampsia screening in singletons can also be applied in twins, but with slight modifications and lower accuracy.

To study the various parameters included in FMF screening algorithm in first trimester for preeclampsia in singleton and twin pregnancies. To find diagnostic accuracy of screening parameters to predict preeclampsia later in second and third trimester. To study sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) in singleton and twin pregnancy.

This prospective observational cohort study conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasturba Medial College, Hospital, Manipal. Patients were recruited from August 2021 to November 2022. A total of 295 pregnant women were included of which 255 were singleton gestation and 40 were twin gestation. All parameters mentioned in FMF algorithm were obtained between 11week to 13+6 weeks. Patients were followed until delivery for occurrence of pre-eclampsia. Individual parameters of first trimester FMF algorithm of pre-eclampsia screening were analyzed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) in both singleton and twin study subjects and results were then compared among the groups.

In this study a total of 295 pregnant women were recruited. 255 were single gestation of which 47 had preeclampsia and 40 were twin gestation of which 4 had preeclampsia. In the cohort of singleton pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, mean age was noted to be higher (32.77±4.27). They had higher BMI (mean 27.61±3.74) and first trimester MAP was also higher. Similarly, cohort of twin pregnancy with preeclampsia had higher mean of maternal age, BMI and MAP (30.33 ±4.46, 22.83 ± 2.93 and 90.40 ± 1.45 respectively). The Preeclampsia group in both singleton and twin subjects had lower serum concentration and lower MoM values of PAPP-A and PlGF while higher values of free beta HCG and uterine artery PI. Therefore the FMF algorithm for first trimester screening of preeclampsia was found to be a good predictor in both singleton and twin pregnancy.

The first trimester FMF algorithm for preeclampsia screening had similar utility in the prediction of preeclampsia in both singleton and twin pregnancy with its individual parameters and combined risk model. However, its accuracy was slightly lesser among twins. Therefore, same screening model can be applicable in singleton and twin gestation.