Maternal plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor levels as biochemical markers of gestational hypertension for Malaysian mothers.

AIMS

To establish baseline levels of maternal plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) among normotensive Malaysian mothers and to compare the marker levels between normotensives and mothers with gestational hypertension (GH).

METHODS

Plasma sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in an unmatched, case-control study. The results were subjected to normality testing and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-tests.

RESULTS

Among normotensive mothers, both sFlt-1and PlGF showed a general increase in levels from the 24th to 32nd weeks of pregnancy. PlGF levels in normotensive mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus were reduced compared to those without the disease, while levels of sFlt-1 were elevated. Mothers with GH had reduced levels of PlGF with increased levels of sFlt-1 when compared to normotensive mothers. Among the normotensive mothers followed up until delivery, the inversed pattern of reduced PlGF and increased sFlt-1 marker levels was found in 40% of those who developed GH later in pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of sFlt-1and PlGF in normotensive mothers may be influenced by gestational diabetes mellitus and GH. GH mothers show an inversed pattern of marker levels compared to normotensive mothers.