Demographic factors that can be used to predict early-onset pre-eclampsia

AbstractObjective: To define the maternal demographic factors that predicts the risk of developing early-onset pre-eclampsia (requiring delivery before 34 weeks’ gestation) in an Australian population. These are compared to risk factors described in a British population to determine whether the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) risk algorithm for predicting early-onset pre-eclampsia needs to be modified for an Australian population.Methods: A secondary analysis of prospective cohorts in Australia and in the United Kingdom was conducted. Demographic details and past medical history were obtained. Odds ratios (ORs) for the development of early-onset pre-eclampsia were calculated for maternal factors in both populations. Forest plots were used to compare the two sets of odds ratios.Results: In the Australian population, pre-existing hypertension (OR 19.89, 95% CI 4.17–94.93) and body mass index >40 kg/m2 (OR 9.04, 95% CI 1.13–72.40) predicted risk of developing early-onset pre-eclampsia. There were no signific...