The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a predictor for poor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes
Journal
Pediatrics and Neonatology
Journal Volume
58
Journal Issue
6
Pages
529-533
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Chang Y.-S.
Su Y.-N.
Hsieh W.-S.
Abstract
Background Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio has been studied extensively as a predictive marker for pre-eclampsia. However, its usefulness for predicting neonatal outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with pregnancy outcomes, neonatal morbidities and short-term postnatal growth patterns in pregnant women and their babies. Methods sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured in women with fetal intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) or pre-eclampsia during gestational age (GA) of 16–36 weeks. These women were classified into high- and low-ratio groups with a sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off ratio of 85. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 25 pregnant women were recruited. Thirteen of them had a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio over 85 and twelve had a ratio of less than 85. The median duration from elevation of sFlt-1/PlGF to delivery was 4.5 weeks. Women in the high SFlt-1/PlGF ratio group had higher rates of intrauterine fetal demise (2/13 vs. 0/12) and early termination (1/13 vs. 0/12). The surviving offspring in this group had a higher incidence of preterm birth (GA: 31.4 ± 2.9 weeks vs. 37.3 ± 1.3 weeks, p < 0.001), lower birth weight (1142 ± 472 g vs. 2311 ± 236 g, p < 0.001), higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (6/10 vs. 0/12, p = 0.002) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (4/10 vs. 0/12, p = 0.01). However, the percentile of body weight, height and head circumference at 28 days of age, 56 days of age and the corrected age of 6 months were comparable between groups. Conclusions High sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in pregnant women is associated with poor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, the monitoring of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in pregnant women with fetal IUGR and timely management for placenta-associated diseases are recommended. ? 2017
Other Subjects
acetylsalicylic acid; magnesium sulfate; placental growth factor; sildenafil; soluble fms like tyrosine kinase receptor 1; unclassified drug; vasculotropin receptor 1; FLT1 protein, human; PGF protein, human; placental growth factor; vasculotropin receptor 1; adult; Article; birth weight; body height; body weight; clinical article; disease association; female; fetus; gestational age; head circumference; human; incidence; intrauterine growth retardation; lung dysplasia; newborn; newborn morbidity; outcome assessment; postnatal growth; predictive value; preeclampsia; pregnancy outcome; pregnancy termination; premature labor; respiratory distress syndrome; retrospective study; blood; lung dysplasia; pregnancy; Adult; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Placenta Growth Factor; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
Publisher
Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Type
journal article