Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder that remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite extensive research, reliable biomarkers for the early prediction of preeclampsia are still limited. Early identification of pregnancies at risk is clinically important because preventive interventions such as low-dose aspirin therapy may reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Cadherin-6 (CDH-6) is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule involved in trophoblast invasion and placental development. Abnormal trophoblast differentiation and impaired spiral artery remodeling are key mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Therefore, molecules involved in placental cell adhesion may have potential as predictive biomarkers for this condition. This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate whether maternal serum CDH-6 levels measured during the early second trimester of pregnancy (15-20 weeks of gestation) can predict the subsequent development of preeclampsia. Maternal blood samples collected during routine antenatal screening will be analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine CDH-6 concentrations. Pregnancy outcomes will be evaluated and compared between women who develop preeclampsia and those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the predictive value of CDH-6 as an early biomarker for preeclampsia and contribute to improved risk stratification and earlier preventive strategies in pregnancy.
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Development of preeclampsia, Diagnosis of preeclampsia defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg after 20 weeks of gestation accompanied by proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction.
Timeframe: During pregnancy until delivery