The diagnostic utility of placental growth factor in ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition of enormous gynaecological priority. It occurs when fertilized ovum implants outside the uterine cavity. Ectopic pregnancy is estimated to be 1-2% of all-natural conception. This study aims to evaluate the role of the placental growth factor in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

A case-control study was conducted in (Baghdad) teaching hospital in (Baghdad, Iraq) over one year. The study includes 240 women: 120 women with first trimester (5-10) weeks viable intrauterine pregnancy, and 120 women with ectopic pregnancy.

There is a significant association observed in the placental growth factor mean (PLGF), which is lower in ectopic pregnancy than in intrauterine pregnancy. The range of PLGF was less than 50 pg/mL in ectopic pregnancy, while it was up to 800 pg/mL in intrauterine pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy with a cut-off PLGF level of ≤ 15.5 pg/mL, the PLGF had a sensitivity of (92.5%), a specificity of (82.5%), a positive predictive value of (91.8%), a negative predictive value of (83.5%), and an accuracy of (90%). Different factors can affect PLGF, like the parity and body mass index.

The serum level of the placental growth factor seems to be a promising biomarker for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy because a highly significant difference was found between healthy and ectopic pregnancy.