PlGF, sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio: Promising markers for predicting pre-eclampsia

• Main Authors: Ola H El-Demerdash (Author), Mona M Zaki (Author), Mohamed O El Maraghy (Author), Doaa M A Elzoghby (Author), Marwa A Abdel-Wahed (Author), Ahmed M Mamdouh (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Journal of Gynecological Research and Obstetrics - Peertechz Publications, 2018-08-30.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Objective: To evaluate placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) as early predictors of pre-eclampsia. </p><p>Methods: Cohort study at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ain Shams University Hospitals, enrolling eighty pregnant women between 14 and 19 weeks' gestation, sera were collected, and stored at -80°C. Thirty women developed pre-eclampsia, fifty continued to be normotensive and their second blood samples were collected. Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF were assayed using chemiluminescence. All enrolled subjects were divided into Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 according to serum levels of sFlt-1, PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF. </p><p>Results: The combined sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (cut-off 40) and PlGF (cut-off 328 pg/mL) had high overall diagnostic performance for early prediction of pre-eclampsia during the second trimester. The Odds ratio for the occurrence of pre-eclampsia was 5.4 in Q4 versus Q3 women and 4.05 higher in Q3 versus Q2 women. Women in Q2 and Q1 had similar risk for developing pre-eclampsia. </p><p>Conclusion: The combined use of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with PlGF or sFlt-1, improved the predictive and diagnostic performance of each separate marker. </p>