Prospective biomarkers in preterm preeclampsia: A review

In this literature review we critically evaluate predictive and diagnostic tests for preterm pre-eclampsia and discuss their clinical use and potential value in the management of preterm pre-eclampsia. We defined preterm pre-eclampsia as pre-eclampsia occurring prior to 37 weeks' gestation. Substantial progress has been made in the development of predictive screening tests for preterm pre-eclampsia, but further research is needed prior to their introduction and integration into routine clinical practice. The performance of diagnostic tests mainly utilising angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors for determining time to delivery in later pregnancy currently hold more promise than first trimester predictive tests, possible reflecting the heterogeneity of pre-eclampsia.