The Study of Diagnostic Value of Placental Growth Factor for Predicting Pre-eclampsia in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is the most common pregnancy problems which are characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. This status can be further complicated by eclamptic seizures. Preeclampsia is among the leading causes of mortality in mothers, fetuses and newborns around the world. The exact mechanism causing preeclampsia has much been controversial and has not yet fully known. The current study sought to identify the diagnostic value of changes in the serum levels of placental growth factor in predicting the occurrence of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were taken from 700 mothers who were between 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Placental growth factor levels were compared and examined in 35 healthy pregnant women and 35 pregnant women with preeclampsia who were randomly selected. Results: Serum concentration of placental growth factor had a significant difference between healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia (P<0.05). Based on the results of the present study, placental growth factor has 57% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 71% positive predictive power and 64% negative predictive power in predicting the occurrence of preeclampsia. Conclusion: Serum levels of placental growth factor in the first trimester of pregnancy can be used to predict the occurrence of preeclampsia.