In Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction, sFlt-1/PlGF and PlGF May Have Value in Risk Stratification for Preterm Birth and Birthweight < 3rd Centile: A Blinded Cohort Study

Abstract

We investigated the value of measuring sFlt-1/PlGF in people with suspected fetal growth restriction (sFGR) without signs of preeclampsia at recruitment. Angiogenic biomarkers were considered positive when sFlt-1/PlGF > 38 or PlGF < 100 pg/mL. Clinicians were blinded to the sFlt-1/PlGF results. In sFGR presenting < 32 weeks, but not ≥ 32–37 weeks, positive angiogenic biomarkers vs. NZ FGR criteria had increased risk of preterm birth RR 5.32 [2.04–13.88] vs. 2.19 [0.89–5.37], respectively, and birthweight < 3rd centile RR 2.11 [1.24–3.58] vs. 1.83 [0.92–3.63], respectively. Larger studies are needed to establish whether routine testing of angiogenic biomarkers in sFGR is recommended for risk stratification.