[Predictive value of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 for preeclampsia in second-trimester]

To evaluate the predictive value of plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1, also known as sFlt-1) in second-trimester for preeclampsia.

One hundred and forty-six pregnant women with normal blood pressure previously were prospectively included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained between 20 and 26 gestational weeks. Plasma levels of sFlt-1 were measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

(1) Among 146 previously normotensive women, 12 developed preeclampsia (preeclampsia group), 134 remained normal pregnant till the end (normal group). (2) The plasma levels of sFlt-1 in preeclampsia group [(4135 +/- 699) ng/L] was significantly higher than that in normal group [(1490 +/- 1033) ng/L] (P<0.01). The increase in sFlt-1 occurred approximately 10 weeks before the diagnosis of preeclampsia. (3) The best cut-off values for preeclampsia of sFlt-1 was 3344 ng/L, the area under the curve was 0.981, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of sFlt-1 in predicting preeclampsia were 100%, 96%, 67%, and 100%, respectively.

The maternal plasma levels of sFlt-1 in women with preeclampsia are higher than that in normal pregnant women and may be used as an earlier predictor for identification of patients at risk for preeclampsia.