Abstract

Objective: To determine the predictive value of abnormal Doppler indices in the first trimester for development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in an African population. Methods:This was a longitudinal study in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, seventy-five primigravidae were enrolled between January 2012 to May 2013. They had Doppler ultrasound between 11 – 13 weeks of gestation. The PI, RI and presence of early diastolic notch were noted and they were followed up until a week after delivery for development of hypertension. Results were analysed using SPSS 17. Results: Ten(13.3%) of the participants developed hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. Seven(70%) developed preeclampsia; two(20%) had PIH and one(10%) had preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. Seven (35%) of those with an early diastolic notch developed hypertension (p=0.003); five(12.2%) of those with abnormal PI(p=0.751) and 4(10.5%) of those with abnormal RI (p=0.516). The relative risk (RR) of developing hypertensive disorder with presence of early diastolic notch was 6.4; RR of developing hypertensive disorder with abnormal PI was 0.83 and RR of developing hypertensive disorder with abnormal RI was 0.65. Conclusions: Presence of early diastolic notch in the first trimester is highly predictive of development of hypertensive disorders later in pregnancy.

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