Pattern of Pro-Angiogenic Serum Placental Growth Factor in Gestational Hypertensive Women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate maternal serum levels of an angiogenic factor called Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) at different ages of pregnancy in gestational hypertensive women residing in Raiwind Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore from January 2015 - April 2015. Serum levels of PLGF were measured and compared between 22 control normotensive subjects (Group A) and 18 gestational hypertensive (Group B). Moreover, comparison was also made among different gestational weeks groups (I, II and III). Results: Serum PLGF levels were raised in gestational hypertensive (Group B) compare to normotensive (Group A) [366 (185-695) vs. 156 (132-319) ng/L], (P= 0.024). Serum PLGF levels were 156 (132-319) in gestational hypertensive individuals and 366 (185-695) ng/L in normotensive individuals. Serum levels PLGF of 18 -28 (I), 29-35 gestational weeks (II) were raised [425 (197-452) vs. 163 (91-332)], [546 (309-1519) vs. 137 (86-147)]. While in last 36- 40 weeks group (III) levels were decreased [216 (136-881) vs. 315 (185-612)] in comparison of normotensive subjects. Conclusion: It is concluded from this research that placental–derived angiogenic biomarker PLGF plays a significant role in gestational hypertension. The pattern of the PLGF marker in various intervals of pregnancy may provide information for the management of hypertension in pregnancy.