Angiogenic Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Women with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Diagnosis of the condition is currently limited to utilization of nonspecific signs and symptoms. However, identification of potential pathogenic biomarkers may support earlier diagnosis and ultimately improved prognosis.

The current models of preeclampsia suggest that the disease has components of abnormal placentation, a degree of angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. Angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin increase while placental growth factor concentrations decrease in the circulation weeks before the onset of the disease. Multiple studies have looked at the capacity of angiogenic factors for the prediction of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The goal of this review is to focus on the role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and use of angiogenic biomarkers for risk stratification, diagnosis, and prognosis of the disease.