[Angiogenic factors can be used when pre-eclampsia is suspected]

Pre-eclampsia complicates 7% of pregnancies. The heterogeneity of the syndrome makes it difficult to assess its development and complications, and the current models have low predictive values. Studies indicate a significant difference in the levels of the angiogenic factors: placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase 1 (sFlt-1), as well as the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with pre-eclampsia compared to women without pre-eclampsia. These angiogenic factors can also be used to help find the women at risk for complications. However, before implementing PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the diagnosis and risk assessment, establishment and further validation of cut-offs are needed.