Angiogenic factors and pregnant woman with new onset seizures

In patients with new onset seizures during pregnancy, it can be challenging to differentiate between eclampsia and other etiologies. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt1) is an antiangiogenic protein that is elevated in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

A multiparous woman presented at 22 weeks gestation with seizures. The initial presentation was highly suspicious for eclampsia, but blood pressure and laboratory data were equivocal. Further investigation suggested primary seizure disorder. Serum sFlt1 was normal for gestational age, supporting the exclusion of eclampsia.

History, physical exam, and traditional laboratory data are the mainstays of eclampsia diagnosis; however, sFlt1 may help clinicians when the diagnosis is uncertain at preterm gestational ages.