Utility of sFtl-1 and Placental Growth Factor Ratio for Adequate Preeclampsia Management

Abstract

Introduction: The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is represented by placental ischemia and the release of angiogenic factors. Recent research suggests that using the value of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio is more accurate for monitoring angiogenic activity. The aim of this study consists in assessing the clinical utility of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio in determining the diagnosis and severity of preeclampsia. Material and Methods: In our study a descriptive and prospective plan was used for analyzing the specific value of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio in women with preeclampsia and in women with gestational hypertension, depending on the gestational age and severity. Results: The study included 59 women with preeclampsia and 25 women with gestational hypertension. The mean value of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio of pregnant women with preeclampsia was 209.2 pg/mL, while in the gestational hypertension group, the mean value of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio was 46.08 pg/mL. The difference between the value of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio of the group with preeclampsia and the gestational hypertension group was > 67 (pg/mL), with a sensitivity of 86.44% and a specificity of 92.00%. Significant differences were found between the median values of the sFtl-1/PIGF ratio in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia in the early-onset subgroup compared to those in the late-onset subgroup (307 pg/mL, and 98 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.009 < α = 0.05). Conclusions: The sFtl-1/PIGF ratio may be an alternative method for diagnosing preeclampsia and it can provide data about this condition’s severity.