Predictive Value of the sFlt-1:PlGF Ratio in Women With Suspected Preeclampsia

Abstract

(N Engl J Med. 2016;374:13–22) Preeclampsia is a serious multisystem disorder affecting up to 5% of pregnancies worldwide. A reliable predictor of preeclampsia would be helpful in allowing health care providers to identify women at risk for developing the disorder. Serum levels of circulating maternal soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) are known to be elevated in preeclampsia, while levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) are decreased. A high ratio of sFlt-1 to PlGF indicates an increased risk for preeclampsia and could potentially be a more reliable predictor than either of those factors alone. The authors of this study sought to evaluate the ratio as a predictive tool among women with suspected preeclampsia.