Presymptomatic prediction of preeclampsia with angiogenic factors, in high risk pregnant women

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of placental growth factor (PLGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and sFlt-1/PLGF ratio, in predicting symptomatic preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was carried out on 71 high risk preeclamptic women cohort. All of them had normal blood pressure level (<= 140/90 mmHg) at the time of enrolment, 26.8 +/- 1.5 weeks. Maternal blood was collected and plasma was stored in a freezer at -80 degrees C. PE was defined according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group Criteria. Accuracy of angiogenic factors in predicting PE was evaluated using Receiver-operating characteristics. Results: Maternal plasma concentrations of PLGF and sFlt-1 were able to predict PE (0.90, p < 001; 0.78, p = 0.003, area under the curve, respectively) but the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio presented the best prediction potential over the others (0.95, area under the curve, p < 0.001). Conclusion: All angiogenesis factors were effective biomarkers in predicting PE during the second trimester, before the clinical onset of PE.