REFERENCE INTERVAL OF PLACENTAL GROWTH FACTOR IN NON-PREGNANT AND PREGNANT FEMALES

Abstract

Objective: To determine the reference interval of placental growth factor in healthy non-pregnant and pregnant females. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Chughtai Institute of Pathology Chemical pathology department from January 2023-May 2023. Reference individuals were selected by purposive, non-probability sampling technique from 130 diseased free non-pregnant and 130 disease free pregnant females. Informed consent was obtained from females of reproductive age group who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Levels for PGF was measured by a fully automated immunoassay analyser Elecsys system Cobas e601. Data was analyzed by using SPSS21. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied. P value <0.05 was considered significant. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated at 90% CI by using the formula 0.025x(n+1) at rank number 1 and 0.975x(n+1) at rank number 7. Results: Reference intervals were calculated by Rank-based method. Data values were arranged and rank numbers were allocated. Reference interval of PGF in non-pregnant and pregnant females were determine on the basis of 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles was 3.8 to 12.7 pg/mL and 46.43 to 1148 pg/mL respectively. Conclusion: Current study findings add on contribution in comparison between reference interval of PGF in healthy non-pregnant and pregnant females. It will subsequently help the gynaecologist, clinicians, pathologist to interpret the results in order to decrease the feto/maternal complications related to pre-eclampsia. PGF levels can be cost effective by reducing unnecessary hospitalization and investigations in females at minimal risk of pre-eclampsia. Keywords: Reference interval, Placental growth factor, Pre-eclampsia.