Research implications
Although there is need of acute and specific markers, usual study
designs that only consider one test per pregnancy may not identify them.
For instance, Verlohren et al. (30) assessed the role of NT-proBNP for
predicting pre-eclampsia using regression analysis and their results
were not conclusive. Conversely, in the present study NT-proBNP has been
identified as an early-onset pre-eclampsia prognostic predictor.
Maternal cardiac biophysical parameters have also been reported as
predictors of severe forms of pre-eclampsia (31). Therefore, future
studies designed to address early-onset pre-eclampsia prognosis and
management should consider NT-proBNP inclusion and the use of study
designs that allow repeated measurements.
Pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction or chronic hypertension
may require specific or adjusted prognosis assessment that was not
possible in this study.