[Intra-uterine growth restriction impact on maternal serum concentration of PlGF (placental growth factor): A case control study]

Abstract

Objectives: Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a pro-angiogenic factor mainly assessed in preeclampsia in which its blood concentration is decreased. The aim of this study was to dose the blood concentration of PlGF in women with fetal intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) without associated preeclampsia at the time of diagnosis.

Methods: Case/control study: IUGR was defined by a fetal biometry with abnormal uterine and/or umbilical doppler (n=23). This group was compared to a control group of fetuses (n=25) matched for gestational age at blood sampling for the dosage of maternal seric PlGF. Women with preeclampsia were not included.

Results: The plasma PlGF concentration was 11pg/mL (IQR [11-42,8]) in the IUGR group vs 287pg/mL [135-439] in the control group (P<0.001) and this difference was available after adjustment for gestational age at the time of blood sampling (P<0.001). PlGF sensitivity and specificity for discrimination were respectively 87% (CI 95% [66-97]) and 88% (CI 95% [69-97]).

Conclusion: Maternal serum PlGF concentrations were very low in IUGR group compared with those of the control group.

Keywords: Biomarker; Diagnostic test; Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR); Marqueur biochimique; Placental Growth Factor (PlGF); Placental growth factor (PlGF); Retard de croissance intra-utérin (RCIU); Test diagnostique.