First trimester serum PIGF is associated with placenta accreta

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Placenta accreta is a severe obstetric complication associated with significant maternal morbidity.
• Early identification of placenta accreta is crucial for improved management and outcomes.
• Placental growth factor (PIGF) is a protein involved in placental development and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in first-trimester serum placental growth factor (PIGF) levels among pregnancies with placenta previa-accreta, non-adherent placenta previa, and healthy controls.
• To determine if PIGF is a potential biomarker for identifying pregnancies at high risk for placenta accreta.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study including 177 pregnant females (35 placenta previa-accreta, 30 non-adherent placenta previa, 112 healthy controls).
• Serum PIGF multiples of the median (MoM) were analyzed from laboratory data.
• Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of placenta accreta, adjusting for gestational week, BMI, and age.

Main Results:

• PIGF MoM levels were significantly higher in the placenta previa-accreta group compared to both the non-adherent placenta previa and control groups.
• Serum PIGF was significantly positively associated with placenta accreta (OR: 4.83; p=0.0009).
• Previous cesarean section history (OR: 2.75; p=0.014) and smoking (OR: 9.17; p=0.010) were also significantly associated with placenta accreta.

Conclusions:

• Increased first-trimester serum PIGF is significantly associated with placenta accreta.
• PIGF shows potential as a biomarker for identifying pregnancies at high risk for placenta accreta.
• Previous cesarean section and smoking are identified as risk factors for accreta in placenta previa patients.