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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Angiogenic Biomarkers and Neonatal Outcomes in Suspected Preeclampsia: Retrospective Cohort Study
Genevieve P G Fung1, Hugh S Lam1, Kathy Y Y Chan1
1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
Abstract:
Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) are two biomarkers associated with placental function and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is frequently used for risk assessment and prediction of preeclampsia in pregnancy.
Objective:
To assess the association between elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with suspected preeclampsia.
Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Setting:
A tertiary centre in Hong Kong.
Population:
162 singleton neonates delivered between January 2020 and May 2023 from pregnancies complicated by suspected preeclampsia and sFlt-1/PlGF taken within 4 weeks before delivery.
Methods:
Pregnant women with suspected preeclampsia were recruited with analysis of serum Flt-1 and PlGF. Neonatal outcomes were compared between neonates from pregnancies with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥ 85 (high-risk group) and < 85 (low-risk group).
Main Outcome Measures:
Neonatal outcomes including growth, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and metabolic complications.
Results:
Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for gestational age, preeclampsia and newborn sex, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥ 85 was significantly associated with small-for-gestation (SGA; aOR = 2.52, 95% C.I. = 1.12-5.60), feeding intolerance (aOR = 3.03, 95% C.I. = 1.01-9.09), need for parenteral nutrition (PN; aOR = 11.19, 95% C.I. = 2.23-56.29), prolonged PN (aOR = 6.92, 95% C.I. = 1.43-33.39), hospitalisation over 7 and 30 days (aOR = 3.62, 95% C.I. = 1.20-10.87 and aOR = 7.04, 95% C.I. = 1.08-45.80 respectively). Linear regression showed a significant association between sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and duration of respiratory support, PN and duration of hospital stay.
Conclusions:
An elevated maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio within 4 weeks of delivery is significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes including SGA, gastrointestinal complications, prolonged parenteral nutrition and prolonged hospitalisation.
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