Difference of concentration of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) which is an antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor (PIGF), is considered as one of etiology factors cause endothelial damage in preeclampsia due to increase of sFlt-1 level that change vascular endothelial integrity. This study aims to analyze the difference of sFlt-1 and PlGF concentration in severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, and the correlation between both in occurrence of severe preeclampsia. METHOD: This is case control study involving 18 subjects with severe preeclampsia and 19 subjects with normal pregnancy as controls who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Concentration of sFlt-1 and PlGF are measured with ELISA. Statistical analysis is performed with Chi square test, Fisher's exact test, T test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: This study results in no significant difference in characteristics of gestational age, and parity in both study groups. Median concentration of sFlt-1 in severe preeclampsia is higher (20,524.75 pg/mL) compared with normal pregnancy (6820.4 pg/mL). Concentration of PlGF is lower in severe preeclampsia (47 pg/mL) compared with normal pregnancy (337 pg/mL). sFlt-1 concentration is higher in severe preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy. PlGF concentration is lower in severe preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy. Ratio of sFlt-1 and PlGF concentration is significantly correlated in both severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant negative correlation between the concentration of sFLt-1 and PlGF in normal pregnancy.