Aim: Evaluation of the predictive ability of serum soluble endoglin (sEng) and placental growth factor (PLGF) levels estimated at the 12th gestational week (GW) for discrimination of women liable to develop preeclampsia (PE).
Materials and Methods: 102 PE women were diagnosed according to the American Society of Hypertension and categorized according to guidelines of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The severity of PE was judged by the difference between blood pressure (ΔBP) measures at time of PE diagnosis and at time of enrolment. Blood samples were obtained at the 12th GW for ELISA estimation of serum sEng and PLGF. Study outcomes included the predictive ability of these markers for development of PE and the relation between age, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of studied biomarkers and ΔSBP and ΔDBP.
Results: 29 and 73 women developed early- and late-onset PE, respectively and 18 women had severe, while 84 women had mild PE. At time of PE diagnosis, BP measures were increased significantly in PE women in comparison to enrolment measures and to control measures. Serum levels of sEng were significantly higher, while serum PLGF levels were significantly lower in PE women than in controls. Development of PE was positively correlated with serum sEng, while was negatively correlated with serum PLGF levels. Also, there was positive significant correlation between ΔBP and BMI and serum levels of sEng, and negative significant correlation with at enrolment BP and serum levels of PLGF. ROC curve analysis defined ΔSBP and ΔDBP by 33 and 10 mmHg as a cutoff point for diagnosis of PE and defined high serum sEng as the significant sensitive predictor for development of PE at both cutoff points.
Conclusion: At 12th GW, estimated levels of sEng and PLGF could discriminate pregnant women vulnerable for development of PE. Statistical analyses defined high serum sEng levels estimated at the 12th GW as the significant early predictor for upcoming PE. Maternal obesity and old age are also related to PE severity and must be considered for prediction.