Abstract

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a protein that can be measured in a mother’s blood during pregnancy. We aimed to develop a range for PlGF levels in non-identical twin pregnancy and compared these levels in women who subsequently developed high blood pressure or fetal growth restriction in pregnancy. Pregnant women had one blood sample taken at different points in their pregnancy. The blood was stored and PlGF levels were measured later. Women were monitored for high blood pressure disorders or fetal growth restriction. PlGF levels in uncomplicated twin pregnancies were significantly lower in women who later developed pre-eclampsia (a blood pressure disorder of pregnancy) than in women who did not develop pre-eclampsia. In women that later developed any blood pressure disorder in pregnancy, the level of PlGF was lower only in those recruited before 24 weeks of pregnancy. In infants that were severely growth restricted, PlGF levels were lower only in women who had the blood test after 24 weeks of pregnancy. PlGF levels in twin pregnancy differ significantly between pregnant women who will later develop pre-eclampsia and women who do not. The difference in these levels is present many weeks before clinical signs or symptoms of disease are present.