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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2025, vol. 31, issue3
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2025313.6352
Published online: 25 July 2025
Review article
J of IMAB. 2025 Jul-Sep;31(3):6352-6360
FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING AND PREVENTION FOR PREECLAMPSIA AND FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION: PERSPECTIVE IN BULGARIA
Zlatko Kirovakov1
, Elitsa Gyokova2, 3,
1) Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, “Prof. Dr Assen Zlatarov” University, Bourgas, Bulgaria.
2) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Pleven, Bulgaria.
3) Clinic of Obstetrics, University Hospital “Saint Marina” – Pleven, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are major contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Bulgaria, the burden of these conditions is compounded by delayed diagnosis and limited access to comprehensive early screening. First-trimester screening enables the identification of high-risk pregnancies through maternal risk factors, biomarkers, and Doppler ultrasonography. Preventive strategies, particularly the timely administration of low-dose aspirin, have proven effective in reducing the incidence of early-onset PE and FGR. This review summarizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, screening models, and prevention strategies for PE and FGR, with emphasis on their implementation in Bulgarian clinical practice. Recommendations are provided for enhancing maternal care through national policies and expanded screening programs.
Keywords: preeclampsia, first trimester screening, fetal growth restriction, gestational age, pregnancy,
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Please cite this article as: Kirovakov Z, Gyokova E. First Trimester Screening and Prevention for Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction: Perspective in Bulgaria. J of IMAB. 2025 Jul-Sep;31(3):6352-6360. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2025313.6352]
Correspondence to: Zlatko Kirovakov, Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov" University, Bourgas; 1, Prof. Yakim Yakimov Blvd., Burgas 8010, Bulgaria; E-mail: kirovakov@yahoo.com
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Received: 14 December 2024
Published online: 25 July 2025