Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and placental growth factor ratio for predicting preeclampsia in elderly gravida

ABSTRACT

Objective

To determine the predictive value of plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio for detection of preeclampsia in elderly gravida at 16–18 weeks of gestation and to identify whether abnormalities of this ratio are associated with any other pregnancy complications or not.

Methods

Blood samples of 300 cases were collected. Plasma sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were measured using an automated immunoassay.

Results

 Sensitivity and specificity for plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio above 9.8 for preeclampsia prediction were 85.7% and 61.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity to predict early onset preeclampsia were 100% and 61.1%, respectively. Women with abnormal plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were not associated with any other pregnancy complications.

Conclusion

 sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at 16–18 weeks of gestation in elderly gravida has a high sensitivity for predicting preeclampsia, especially early onset preeclampsia.

KEYWORDS:

• Preeclampsia
• soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1
• placental growth factor
• ratio
• elderly gravida

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the staff and nurses at the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, for their kind suggestions and assistances. The authors would also like to thank Mrs. Rachanee Wongwathanavikrom and Ms. Walailak Thongthab for their technical assistances.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Grant for International Research Integration: Research Pyramid; Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund; Chulalongkorn University and Placental related diseases Research Unit; and Chulalongkorn University.