First Trimester CD93 as a Novel Marker of Preeclampsia and Its Complications: A Pilot Study

Introduction: CD93 plays a crucial role in endothelial homeostasis and angiogenesis. Recently its role in hypertension has been investigated, holding promise for novel targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Aim: We assessed for the first time differences in first trimester serum CD93 levels in women who lately developed preeclampsia (PE) vs. normotensive pregnancy (NP). Methods: First trimester serum CD93 concentrations were assessed in a multicenter cohort of 83 women (34 PE and 49 NP) by ELISA Immunoassay. Results: Serum CD93 was lower in women who developed PE vs. NP (111.8 ± 24.4 vs. 137.5 ± 22.3 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Serum CD93 was associated with a decreased risk of developing PE (OR 0.950, 95% CI 0.922-0.978) and composite neonatal outcome (OR 0.952, CI 0.923-0.982), after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: PE is accompanied by decreased serum CD93 levels. CD93 might play a role during placentation leading to defective angiogenesis, vascular dysfunction, and PE development.