Placental Growth Factor in Suspected Preterm Pre-eclampsia: A Review of
the Evidence and Practicalities of Implementation
Abstract
Despite extensive research, the pathophysiology and prevention of
pre-eclampsia remain elusive, diagnosis is challenging, and
pre-eclampsia remains associated with adverse maternal and perinatal
outcomes. Angiogenic biomarkers, including placental growth factor
(PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), have been
identified as valuable biomarkers for preterm pre-eclampsia,
accelerating diagnosis and reducing maternal adverse outcomes by risk
stratification, with enhanced surveillance for high-risk women.
PlGF-based testing is increasingly being implemented into clinical
practice in several countries. This review provides healthcare providers
with an understanding of the evidence for PlGF-based testing and
describes the practicalities and challenges to implementation.