Vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet ratio as a potential biomarker for preeclampsia: A study of angiogenic markers in Pakistani patients

Abstract

Objectives To determine the levels of angiogenic biomarkers: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR1 or sFlt-1), platelet count, and the VEGF/platelet ratio in preeclampsia. Methods Forty-four cases of preeclampsia and 44 controls were recruited. Results The serum VEGF, sVEGFR1, and VEGF/platelet ratio were significantly higher and platelet counts lower in preeclampsia in comparison to controls (VEGF: median = 178 vs. 97 pg/mL, p < 0.0001, sVEGFR1: 1634 vs. 627 pg/mL, p < 0.0001, VEGF/platelet ratio: 1.148 vs. 0.417, and platelet count: 178 × 103/µL vs. 232 × 103/µL, p = 0.0006). The VEGF and VEGF/platelet ratio showed better diagnostic accuracy for differentiating preeclampsia, with an area under the curve of 97.47% (95% CI: 0.95–1.00) and 89.46% (95% CI: 0.82–0.96), respectively. VEGFA: c.-2055A>C (rs699947) AA genotype exhibited higher serum VEGF levels associated with preeclampsia. Conclusion The higher levels of angiogenic biomarkers in preeclampsia, suggest a role in the pathogenesis and potential diagnosis.