The assessment of placental volume and mean gray value in preeclamptic placentas by using three-dimensional ultrasonography

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the placental volume and placental mean gray value in preeclampsia and healthy placentas by using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL).

Methods: This case–control prospective study consisted of 27 singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and 54 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm³) was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program, and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean gray value (%).

Results: Preeclamptic and control group consisted of 27 (mean age: 28.90?±?5.95 years, mean gestation: 32.0?±?4.55 weeks) and 54 (mean age: 29.48?±?5.78 years, mean gestation: 32.61?±?4.23 weeks) singleton pregnancies, respectively. Placental volume was significantly smaller in preeclampsia (250.62?±?91.69 versus 370.98?±?167.82?cm³; p?=?0.001). Volumetric mean gray value of the placenta was significantly higher in preeclampsia (38.24?±?8.41 versus 33.50?±?8.90%; p?=?0.043). Placental volume was significantly correlated with the estimated fetal weight (r?=?0.319; p?=?0.003). There was negative significant relation between placental volume and umbilical artery pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio (r?=?–0.244, p?=?0.024; r?=?–0.283, p?=?0.005; r?=?–0.241, p?=?0.024, respectively).

Conclusions: Placental volume diminishes significantly in preeclampsia, whereas volumetric mean gray values increases. This may reflect the early alterations in preeclamptic placentas, which may help to understand the pathophysiology better.     

Three-dimensional ultrasonographic placental volume in gestational diabetes mellitus

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the placental volume and placental mean gray value in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy placentas using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL).

Methods: This case-control prospective study consisted of 39 singleton pregnancies complicated by GDM and 42 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm³) was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging analysis program and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean gray value (%).

Results: Placental volume was significantly larger in GDM (411.59?±?170.82 versus 343.86?±?128.94?cm³; p?=?0.046). There was no significant difference in mean gray value between GDM and healthy placentas (36.65?±?7.02 versus 38.71?±?7.91, respectively; p?=?0.277). Placental volume was significantly correlated with gestational week (r?=?0.219, p?=?0.035) and parity (r?=?0.228, p?=?0.048). There was negative significant relation between placental volume and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio, pulsatility index and resistance index (r?=??0.278, p?=?0.007; r?=??0.315, p?=?0.002; r?=??0.322, p?=?0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: Placental volume increases significantly in GDM, whereas mean gray values do not alter significantly. These data may reflect the placental changes in GDM placentas that may help to understand the pathophysiology better.     

Association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and pre-eclampsia

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of maternal plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) at late second and third trimester and the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, maternal plasma 25(OH)D levels were measured at late second and third trimester in 77 women who later developed pre-eclampsia (31 non-severe and 46 severe cases) and 180 women without pre-eclampsia.

Results: The mean gestational age of the timing of the blood sampling was 31.1?±?4.4 at control group, 32.6?±?5.7 at non-severe pre-eclamptic group and 32.3?±?5.4 at severe pre-eclamptic group. The mean 25(OH)D concentration was significantly low in severe pre-eclampsia group (5.8?±?4.5?ng/ml) than non-severe pre-eclampsia (11.8?±?7.3?ng/ml, p?=?0.039) and control groups (14.9?±?12.0?ng/ml, p?<?0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in 25(OH)D concentration between non-severe pre-eclamptic and control groups (p?=?0.404). In women with 25(OH)D concentration <20?ng/ml, a 12.45-fold increase in the odds of severe pre-eclampsia were detected.

Conclusion: Women with severe pre-eclampsia had low serum 25(OH)D levels. The correlation between maternal 25(OH)D levels and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, serum creatinine levels, platelet count were not determined. 25(OH)D levels may be used as an independent predictive marker of severe pre-eclampsia.     

First trimester 3D volumetry. Association of the gestational volumes with the birth weight

Objective.?To evaluate the three dimensional ultrasound (3D) in the volume assessment of the gestational contents during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Our aim was to correlate the embryo, gestational sac, and placenta volume with the birth weight. To monitor the increase of these volumes according to the gestational age.

Method.?Prospective study of 199 singleton low risk pregnant women undergoing the 1st trimester ultrasound for fetal anomalies. In these women, gestational volumetry was performed and it was compared with the crown-rump length (CRL). Regression models were computed in order to analyze the dependence of birth weight with the volumes.

Results.?The embryo volume reveals the strongest association with the birth weight at delivery (β?=?0.24), followed by the CRL (β?=?0.20) and the gestational sac volume (β?=?0.20). The placenta volume appears the weakest association with fetal weight at delivery (β?=?0.16). All volumes increased significantly from 11⁺⁰–11⁺⁶ to 13⁺⁰–13⁺⁶ weeks of gestation (p?<?0.001). Ten cubic millimeter increase in embryo volume corresponds to a mean birth weight increase of 75?g, while 1?mm increase in the CRL corresponds to a birth weight increase of 113?g.

Conclusion.?Our results provide evidence that the embryo volume during the first trimester of pregnancy correlates better with birth weight than the CRL. This might assist in the identification of the high risk pregnancies caring macrosomic and low birth weight fetuses.     

Association of caesarean delivery for first birth with placenta praevia and placental abruption in second pregnancy

Objective  To quantify the risk of placenta praevia and placental abruption in singleton, second pregnancies after a caesarean delivery of the first pregnancy.
Design  Retrospective cohort study.
Setting  Linked birth and infant mortality database of the USA between 1995 and 2000.
Population  A total of 5 146 742 singleton second pregnancies were available for the final analysis after excluding missing information.
Methods  Multiple logistic regressions were used to describe the relationship between caesarean section at first birth and placenta praevia and placental abruption in second-birth singletons.
Main outcome measures  Placenta praevia and placental abruption.
Results  Placenta praevia was recorded in 4.4 per 1000 second-birth singletons whose first births delivered by caesarean section and 2.7 per 1000 second-birth singletons whose first births delivered vaginally. About 6.8 per 1000 births were complicated with placental abruption in second-birth singletons whose first births delivered by caesarean section and 4.8 per 1000 birth in second-birth singletons whose first births delivered vaginally. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs) of previous caesarean section for placenta praevia in following second pregnancies was 1.47 (1.41, 1.52) after controlling for maternal age, race, education, marital status, maternal drinking and smoking during pregnancy, adequacy of prenatal care, and fetal gender. The corresponding figure for placental abruption was 1.40 (1.36, 1.45).
Conclusion  Caesarean section for first live birth is associated with a 47% increased risk of placenta praevia and 40% increased risk of placental abruption in second pregnancy with a singleton.     

Lower vitamin D levels during the second trimester are associated with developing gestational diabetes mellitus: an observational cross-sectional study

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to compare serum 25(OH)D levels in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify the serum 25(OH)D levels associated with GDM. We recruited 40 women with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women, aged 20–40?years and in the second trimester, at Gulhane Education and Research Hospital. We excluded women with chronic diseases, preeclampsia, pre-GDM, multiple pregnancies, and those taking medications related to calcium or vitamin D metabolism. We took anthropometric measurements and blood samples during the second trimester. Of the 80 pregnant women, pre-pregnancy body mass index was significantly higher among the GDM group than the healthy group (26.4?±?5.73?kg/m² vs. 22.6?±?3.56?kg/m², p?=?.001). Serum 25(OH)D levels in women with GDM were significantly lower than those in healthy women (16.8?±?9.90?ng/mL vs. 20.9?±?8.16?ng/mL, p?=?.016). The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was as high as 72.5% among women in the GDM group, with a 1.74-fold increased risk of deficient status. Levels of 25(OH)D lower than a cutoff value of 14.0?ng/mL were determined to be related to GDM. These study results suggest that maternal vitamin D deficiency in mid-pregnancy is significantly associated with development of GDM.     

Histomorphometric characteristics of first trimester chorionic villi in pregnancies with low serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels: relationship with placental three-dimensional power doppler ultrasonographic vascularization

Objective.?To evaluate histomorphometric vascular characteristics from samples obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in pregnancies with low serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels and to relate these findings to three-dimensional (3D) placental volume and power Doppler vascularization.

Methods.?Immediately before CVS, placental 3D-power Doppler ultrasonography was performed at 11?+?0 to 13?+?6 weeks in 12 pregnancies with PAPP-A concentrations <0.3 multiples of median (MoM) as well as in 11 control women. Using a standardized setting placental volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured. Histomorphometric parameters of villi were blindly evaluated with a video-computerized-image-analysis system.

Results.?Pregnancies with low PAPP-A showed a significantly reduced number of capillary vessels per villus cross-section (p?=?0.005) and a smaller capillary diameter (p?=?0.041). Placental vascular indices were significantly related to the number of fetal capillary vessels per villus (VI: r?=?0.51, p?=?0.03; FI: r?=?0.48, p?=?0.04; VFI: r?=?0.56, p?=?0.01).

Conclusions.?Differences in placental vascularization are present in first trimester in pregnancies with low PAPP-A and they are associated to altered 3D placental Doppler indices.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Spanish studies regarding the association between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and perinatal outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis of Spanish studies assessed the association of maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels on perinatal outcomes.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science research databases were searched from inception through December 30 2017 using the terms ‘vitamin D’, ‘pregnancy’, and ‘Spain’. Studies that compared first or second half of pregnancy normal 25(OH)D (≥30.0?ng/mL) versus insufficient (20.0–29.9?ng/mL) or deficient (<20.0?ng/mL) circulating levels and perinatal outcomes were systematically extracted. Data are presented as pooled odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical variables or mean differences and CIs for continuous variables. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results: Five cohort studies met inclusion criteria. The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age infants, and birthweight was not influenced by first half of pregnancy maternal 25(OH)D levels. In addition, second half of pregnancy 25(OH) levels did not affect birthweight.

Conclusion: Maternal 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy did not affect studied perinatal outcomes and birthweight.     

北京城区健康育龄妇女血清25-羟维生素D水平及胰岛素抵抗的关系

目的了解北京城区正常育龄妇女25-羟维生素D[25-hydroxyvitamin D,25（OH）D]水平及胰岛素抵抗状态,并分析两者的关系。方法于2010年12月1—20日北京妇产医院招募北京市城区23～30岁健康未育妇女170例,采用酶联免疫吸附试验测定其空腹血25（OH）D及甲状旁腺素（parathyroid hormone,PTH）、糖代谢相关指标（空腹血糖、胰岛素和糖化血红蛋白）及血清钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶及血酯水平。结果①170例妇女平均25（OH）D水平为（27.28±6.64）nmol/L,其中25（OH）D缺乏和不足者169例（99.4%）,25（OH）D适宜者1例（0.6%）。②25（OH）D缺乏组PTH[（178.27±78.65）ng/L]与25（OH）D不足组[（172.89±78.52）ng/L]比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,但两组PTH均高于正常水平;血清25（OH）D与PTH无线性关系（r=-0.061,P〉0.05）。③血清25（OH）D与血钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、体质指数、胰岛素及胰岛素抵抗指数无相关性（P〉0.05）。④170例未育妇女存在胰岛素抵抗者30例（17.6%）,其25（OH）D水平[（24.22±5.44）nmol/L]与无胰岛素抵抗组[（27.93±6.71）nmol/L]比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论北京城区冬季健康育龄妇女普遍存在维生素D缺乏;其低维生素D水平可能与胰岛素抵抗增加有关,并可能成为妊娠期糖尿病的危险因素。     

Measurement of placental bed vascularization in the first trimester,using 3D-power-Doppler,for the detection of pregnancies at-risk for fetal and maternal complications

Objective

To evaluate the performance of placental bed vascularization in a low-risk population to predict severe pregnancy risks. Vascularization was measured in the first trimester, using 3D power-Doppler vascularization index.

Methods

All women who registered during a period of 3 years for delivery in our hospital were prospectively screened in the first trimester. Power Doppler vascularization index of the placental bed (PBVI) was measured in 4325 women and correlated to 7 outcome groups: 1) normal, 2) IUGR ≤ 3rd centile, 3) delivery ≤ 34 weeks, 4) pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), 5) all pre-eclampsia (PE), 6) severe PE, 7) severe pregnancy problems (SPP i.e. PIH or PE plus IUGR ≤ 3rd centile and/or delivery ≤ 34 weeks). In addition, measurements of mean uterine artery Doppler at 12 and 22 weeks, placental volume and PAPP-A were also performed on all women and their predictive strength for pregnancy risks was compared with the PBVI.

Results

Severe PE and SPP occurred in 0.6 vs. 1.5% of all pregnancies. First trimester PBVI below the 10th centile detected 60% of severe PE and 66.2% of SPP, the odds ratio being 4.48 (95th CI 1.98–11.82) for severe PE and 9.92 (95th CI 5.55–17.71) for SPP. Second trimester uterine artery Doppler detected 72% of PE and 50.8% of SPP, the odds ratio being 14.58 (95th CI 5.78–36.79) and 5.46 (95th CI 3.18–9.36) respectively. All other measured parameters performed much worse compared to PBVI and 22 weeks uterine artery Doppler.

Conclusion

Placental bed vascularization index could be used for a quick and reliable first trimester assessment of severe pregnancy risks.     

维生素D与多囊卵巢综合征相关性的初步研究

目的:研究多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者血清维生素D的浓度与内分泌紊乱的相互关系。方法:收集55例初诊PCOS患者(PCOS组)和20例健康育龄期妇女(对照组),计算体重指数(BMI),测定血清睾酮(T)、雌二醇(E2)、LH、FSH及血清25-(OH)D3浓度,并行OGTT和胰岛素释放试验,计算QUICKI指数。结果:PCOS组25-(OH)D3浓度显著低于对照组(P0.01)。将PCOS组患者分为肥胖、超重及正常体重者分析,发现肥胖和超重者25-(OH)D3浓度显著低于正常体重者。PCOS组中,25-(OH)D3浓度与BMI、T、LH/FSH呈显著负相关(r=-0.446、-0.390、-0.411,P0.01),与QUICKI值呈正相关(r=0.423,P0.01)。结论:维生素D缺乏与PCOS内分泌紊乱密切相关。     

Analysis of correlations between the placental expression of glucose transporters GLUT-1, GLUT-4 and GLUT-9 and selected maternal and fetal parameters in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the correlations between the expression of glucose transporters GLUT-1, GLUT-4, and GLUT-9 in human term placenta and selected maternal and fetal parameters in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and methods: Placental samples were obtained from healthy control (n?=?25) and diabetic pregnancies, including diet-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMG1) (n?=?16), insulin-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMG2) (n?=?6), and pregestational DM (PGDM) (n?=?6). Computer-assisted quantitative morphometry of stained placental sections was performed to determine the expression of selected glucose transporter proteins. For the purposes of correlation analysis, the following parameters were selected: type of diabetes, gestational age, maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, third trimester glycated hemoglobin concentration, placental weight, fetal birth weight (FBW) as well as ultrasonographic indicators of fetal adiposity, including subscapular (SSFM), abdominal (AFM), and midthigh (MTFM) fat mass measurements.

Results: In the PGDM group, the analysis demonstrated positive correlations between the placental expression of GLUT-1, GLUT-4, and GLUT-9 and FBW, AFM, and SSFM measurements (p?p?p?p?Conclusions: The study results revealed that placental expression of GLUT-1, GLUT-4, and GLUT-9 may be involved in the intensification of the fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by GDM/PGDM.     

Assessment of free fetal DNA concentration in maternal plasma during the first trimester of pregnancy: comparative study between EDTA and PPT tubes – pilot study

Objective: To compare ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes and plasma preparation tubes (PPT) for evaluating maternal plasma during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 male fetuses in women between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Blood samples (10?mL) were collected and stored in EDTA and PPT tubes. Subsequently, the samples were centrifuged and sent for free fetal DNA extraction by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The reactions were performed in a real time PCR machine for detecting the amplification products. The genome region chosen for performing the PCR reactions was a target specific for the Y chromosome, in which the DYS-14 marker was amplified only when the DNA was of male sex. The free fetal DNA concentration was given by the threshold cycle (TC). To compare the tubes, the paired Student t-test was used.

Results: The mean gestational age was 11.08?±?2.30 weeks (range: 6–14). The mean TC for PPT was 30.08?±?1.05 (range: 27.08–32.61) and for EDTA, 30.23?±?0.96 (range: 28.01–32.09), but without statistical significance (p?=?0.357).

Conclusion: We did not observe any statistically significant difference in free fetal DNA concentration between the EDTA and PPT tubes.     

Association between isolated abnormal levels of maternal serum unconjugated estriol in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objective: To determine the association between maternal serum unconjugated estriol (uE3) levels in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Patients and methods: The prospective database of our fetal Down screening program was assessed and reviewed for maternal serum uE3 levels. Pregnancies with medical diseases, abnormal levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein and fetal chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded. The recruited women were categorized into three groups: high (>95th percentile), normal (5–95th percentile) and low (<5th percentile) uE3 levels.

Results: Of 14?212 screened women, 9183 (high; 455, normal; 8271 and low; 457) levels group, were available for outcome analysis. The rates of most adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, low Apgar scores, fetal death, placental abruption, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, of the high and normal groups were comparable. Nevertheless, low uE3 levels increased risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) (RR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.79–3.10) and low birth weight (LBW) (RR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.45–2.39), but not preterm birth. Logistic regression analysis indicated that low uE3 level was an independent risk factor for FGR and LBW.

Conclusions: High uE3 levels in the second trimester are not associated with poor outcomes, whereas low levels significantly increase risk of FGR and LBW but not other adverse outcomes.     

Investigating the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and thyroid function in second-trimester pregnant women

This study aims to explore the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and thyroid hormones during the second trimester. In total, 277 pregnant women at 13–28?weeks of gestation were enrolled. According to the level of thyrotropic-stimulating hormone, they were divided into a reduced TSH group, a normal TSH group and an elevated TSH group. In this study, we found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was as high as 94.58%. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the reduced TSH group was lower than that in the normal thyroid function group (p?=?.0005), and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the elevated TSH group was higher than that in normal TSH group (p=.0339). A positive correlation was observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and thyrotropic-stimulating hormone (r?=?0.3034, p?=?.0000). Furthermore, 25-hydroxyvitamin D was negatively correlated with the free thyroxine level (r?=??0.1286, p?=?.0323) as well as the free triiodothyronine level (r?=?0.1247, p?=?.0380). These data suggest that the relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and thyroid parameters were characterized during the second trimester. Pregnant women in the second-trimester who are diagnosed with transient hyperthyroidism should be evaluated for the possibility of vitamin D deficiency.     

Impact of operator experience on the variability of fetal lung volume estimation by 3D-ultrasound (VOCAL) and magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective: To evaluate the impact of operator experience in volumetric measurements on intra- and inter-observer variability of lung volume estimation by 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study. Total fetal lung volume (TFLV) was measured twice using 52 stored 3D-ultrasound volumes and 52 corresponding MRI exams by a fetal medicine specialist with no experience in volumetric measurements and two operators experienced in the respective techniques. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to evaluate intra- and inter-observer variability.

Results: Measurements of TFLV by 3D-ultrasound showed higher intra-observer variability compared with MRI irrespective of operator experience, with narrower 95% limits of agreement on MRI as compared with ultrasound measurements. Similarly, 3D-ultrasound showed higher inter-observer variability as compared with MRI. Finally the 95% limits of agreement at ultrasound were quite comparable for intra-observer variability between the experienced and the inexperienced operator.

Conclusion: Our study shows that operator experience has an impact on the variability of TFLV and, in the absence of experience in volumetric measurements, estimation of TFLV in fetuses with CDH by 3D-ultrasound shows higher variability than MRI measurements, but even in experienced hands variability is greater for 3D-ultrasound.     

High malformation rates and decreased mortality in infants of diabetic mothers managed after the first trimester of pregnancy (1956-1978)

Over a period of 23 years we accumulated data on 182 pregnant juvenile diabetic subjects during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Diabetic subjects were evaluated generally after the first trimester of pregnancy. Data examined included diabetic class, maternal complications of pregnancy, and infant morbidity and mortality. Data were analyzed in two periods-before and after 1970. In the second period, maternal polyhydramnios and acidosis rates improved, neonatal problems of homeostasis did not change significantly, and combined fetal and neonatal losses fell from 34.7% to 16.4%. The neonatal malformation rate, however, increased from 1.4% to 16.8% and was not influenced by maternal age or diabetic class.     

Association between the high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio and adverse outcomes in asymptomatic women with early-onset fetal growth restriction

Objective: To assess whether the high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is associated with adverse outcomes (e.g., HELLP syndrome [hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets], severe hypertension uncontrolled by medication, non-reassuring fetal status, placental abruption, pulmonary edema, growth arrest, maternal death, or fetal death) and a shorter duration to delivery in early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods: Thirty-four women with FGR diagnosed at <34.0 weeks were recruited. Serum angiogenic marker levels were estimated within 6 hours of a diagnosis of FGR. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the threshold of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to predict adverse outcomes. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and adverse outcomes. Finally, we used Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test to assess the probability of delay in delivery.

Results: Women who developed adverse outcomes within a week had a significantly higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio than did those who did not develop complications. A cutoff value of 86.2 for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio predicted adverse outcomes, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 80.0%, respectively. Moreover, 58.4% of women with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥86.2 versus 9.1% of those with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio <86.2 delivered within a week of presentation (p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥86.2 (adjusted odds ratio 9.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–72.8) was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: A high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was associated with adverse outcomes and a shorter duration to delivery in early-onset FGR.