Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Objective: The current study aims to assess the accuracy of CA-125 as a biomarker for prediction of occurrence of severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital in Cairo, Egypt during the period between June and December 2018. This study enrolled 100 primigravida with viable, singleton fetus ≥30 week's gestation with no other obstetric or medical co-morbidities. CA-125 was drawn at enrollment. They were then followed up weekly and on termination they were categorized into the study group: SPE and control group (normal). The CA-125 was drawn again on termination. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of elevated maternal CA-125 in women diagnosed with SPE. Results: CA-125 levels were significantly higher both at enrollment and termination in the SPE group compared to the control group (p <.001). Similarly, the change in CA-125 levels was significantly higher in the SPE group compared to the control group (p <.001). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between CA-125 levels with systolic and diastolic blood pressure values (p <.001). Moreover, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between CA-125 levels with platelet count and gestational age at time of termination. CA-125 level at termination had the highest sensitivity and specificity for prediction of SPE with a cutoff of 41 U/mL. Conclusions: CA-125 could be used as a valuable potential biomarker for prediction of SPE in third trimester of pregnancy.