Background. Preeclampsia affects 5-6% of all pregnancies. Predictive factors of preeclampsia can be helpful in early diagnosis of this disease. In this study the predictive values of biochemical markers placenta protein 13 (PP13) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) have been assessed in early diagnosis of preeclampsia. Methods. This case-control study was conducted on 1500 women who presented to a healthcare center of Sari, Iran, between 2010 and 2011. Blood samples were drawn in weeks 11–13 and 24–28 of pregnancy. Of them who developed preeclampsia were considered as case group. A control group consisted of similar women regarding mean age, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy age. PAPP-A and PP13 serum levels were measured. Data were analyzed using proper statistical tests. Results. PAPP-A and PP13 serum levels were significantly lower in both the first and second trimesters in women who developed preeclampsia (P < 0.001). The cumulative value of all four variables with cut-off point of 238.5 has sensitivity, specificity of 91.0%, and undercurve surface of 0.968 which is the most diagnostic value for preeclampsia. Conclusion. It is possible to advantage measuring of PAPP-A and PP13 in the first and second trimesters especially their cumulative values in both trimesters for prediction of the incidence of preeclampsia.

Introduction. Preeclampsia (PE) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity for mothers, fetuses, and the newborns. Placenta plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of PE. Hepatic growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine expressed by the mesenchymal stalk of placental villi during pregnancy and assumes a paracrine role in trophoblasts which express its receptor (c-MET). In the present study, we investigate the diagnostic value of s-Met (the soluble form of the receptor) in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy for early diagnosis of preeclampsia. Method and Materials. This is a case-control study conducted on 95 pregnant women. The serum level of s-Met was measured in the first and second trimesters, and the participants were followed until delivery. 44 individuals with preeclampsia (the case group) and 51 individuals without preeclampsia (the control group) were evaluated. Results. Serum level of s-Met in preeclamptic participants was lower than that of the control group in both the first and the second trimesters (P < 0.0001). In addition, serum levels of s-Met were significantly lower during the first and second trimesters in patients with early, severe preeclampsia compared to those with late, mild preeclampsia (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of s-Met in the first and second trimesters were, respectively, (83%, 94%) and (77%, 94%) for early preeclampsia and (88%, 92%) and (86%, 98%) for severe preeclampsia. Conclusion. Considering our findings, serum level of s-Met may be used as a predictive factor for early detection of preeclampsia. Further research is required to corroborate the functional and therapeutic value of s-Met in preeclampsia.