Maternal Serum PLGF, PAPPA, β-hCG and AFP Levels in Early Second Trimester as Predictors of Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Identifying women at risk of preeclampsia (PE) by maternal serum screening is conducive to prompt gestational management and thereby improve both maternal and perinatal outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between the concentrations of maternal serum placental growth factor (PLGF), pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPPA), free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and αFetoprotein (AFP) and the development of preeclampsia early in the second trimester.

METHODS: Forty pregnant women subsequently developed mild PE, 21 pregnant women subsequently developed severe PE, and 61 cases of normotensive controls were included. Maternal serum concentrations of PLGF, PAPPA, β-hCG, and AFP were measured at 15 - 20 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS: Serum PLGF level was lower in women who subsequently developed PE than in normotensive controls. However, the significant difference was only found between the severe PE and control groups (p = 0.015). Serum PAPPA, β-hCG, and AFP levels were not significantly different between the PE and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum PLGF level was lower in women who subsequently developed severe PE early in the second trimester, suggesting its role in prediction of PE.