Evaluating the ability of fullPIERS calculator to predict adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the ability of the fullPIERS model to predict adverse maternal outcomes in patients diagnosed as early-onset pre-eclampsia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Africa.

Methods

Retrospective record review and analysis of 134 patients admitted with early-onset pre-eclampsia. Demographic data, symptoms, and investigation results relevant to the fullPIERS calculator present on admission were collected. Adverse maternal outcomes occurring before the end of 7 days from admission were recorded. Descriptive analysis was conducted, χ² and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to evaluate the association between fullPIERS parameters, score, and adverse outcomes. Performance of fullPIERS score was evaluated by positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating curve analysis.

Results

The median age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28–37 years). A total of 131 deliveries were recorded at a median gestation of 31 weeks (IQR 29–33 weeks). Most deliveries (71; 54.2%) were due to fetal indications and 102 (77.9%) were by cesarean section. A total of 20 (15.1%) patients had adverse maternal outcomes. Three (2.6%) neonates were delivered with Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes and were all admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FullPIERS formula predicted adverse maternal outcomes with positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 94.9%, respectively, and sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 100%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.75–0.95), which shows good discrimination.

Conclusion

FullPIERS model is a useful adjunct in identifying patients at high risk of adverse outcomes from early-onset pre-eclampsia; this allows timely and appropriate management.