Placental growth factor (PlGF) is one of the angiogenic factors involved in placental development and function. Low PlGF levels have been observed in pre-eclampsia. The utility of PlGF testing in the context of pre-eclampsia includes:
- Diagnosis: Low levels of PlGF in maternal serum can be indicative of placental dysfunction, which is seen in conditions like pre-eclampsia. A low PlGF level, especially when combined with other clinical and laboratory findings, can support a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.
- Risk Stratification: Women with suspected pre-eclampsia who have low PlGF levels are at a higher risk for complications and may require closer monitoring and management. This can guide clinical decision-making in terms of hospitalization, treatment, and timing of delivery.
- Differential Diagnosis: In women presenting with hypertension and/or proteinuria, a normal PlGF level can help differentiate between pre-eclampsia and other conditions that might present with similar clinical features but are not related to placental dysfunction.
- Prediction: Reduced PlGF levels before the onset of clinical symptoms might indicate a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy, although the predictive value varies based on the population studied and the timing of the test.
- Monitoring Disease Progression: Some studies suggest that serial measurements of PlGF can be used to monitor the progression or stabilization of pre-eclampsia, although this application is less established in routine clinical practice.
While PlGF testing can provide valuable information, it should be used as part of a comprehensive clinical evaluation. The results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.