Placental Growth Factor as a Predictor of Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Patients With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, primarily due to angiogenic imbalance and impaired vascular remodeling, resulting in elevated blood pressure and multiorgan involvement. Early detection of these conditions is crucial to improve outcomes. This study evaluates the role of serum placental growth factor (PLGF) as a biomarker for the severity of HDP and its association with maternal and neonatal outcomes. The objective of the study is to establish the diagnostic efficacy of serum PLGF in predicting adverse maternal outcomes in women diagnosed with HDP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, B.L.D.E. (Deemed to be University), Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura. A total of 164 pregnant women diagnosed with HDP were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected on admission for serum PLGF testing using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Participants were monitored for maternal and perinatal outcomes (as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines), and correlations between PLGF levels and disease severity were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 164 hypertensive women, 91 (55.5%) had normal and 73 (45.5%) had low PLGF values. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between low PLGF and clinical/laboratory variables, including mode of delivery, imminent signs, hypertensive category, urine albumin, amniotic fluid volume, adverse maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes. A negative correlation was noted between PLGF and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The sensitivity and negative predictive values of PLGF were 83.5% and 72.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serum PLGF levels are significantly associated with the severity of HDP and with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.