The Relationship Between Maternal Anthropometric Indices And Prediction Of Preeclampsia: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background Preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication with challenges in early detection. Given the association between obesity and increased preeclampsia risk, anthropometric indices may serve as useful tools for early prediction. Objective To investigate the performance of anthropometric indices defining obesity in predicting preeclampsia Materials and Methods The study included all pregnant women presenting to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Ankara City Hospital during the first trimester between January and December 2024 irrespective of their body composition. Gestational age was determined based on the last menstrual period or crown-rump length measured during the first trimester. The clinical and demographic data of all participants were recorded, including waist circumference, hip circumference, height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. These data were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), body rounding index (BRI), body adiposity index (BAI), and waist-to-height ratio. Results The preeclampsia-positive group had significantly higher weight, hip circumference, waist circumference, BMI, BAI, BRI, and waist-to-height ratio values compared to the preeclampsia-negative group (p<0.005). The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the following optimal cut-off values for predicting preeclampsia: waist-to-height ratio: 0.49 (69% sensitivity, 60% specificity; area under the curve [AUC]=0.659; p=0.038); BMI: 25.9 (75% sensitivity, 58% specificity; AUC=0.729; p=0.003); BRI: 2.92 (69% sensitivity, 59% specificity; AUC=0.652; p=0.049); and BAI: 28.5 (75% sensitivity, 56% specificity; AUC=0.702; p=0.009). Conclusion: BMI, BRI, waist-to-height ratio, and BAI are effective indices for predicting preeclampsia.