From the Research
The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is a valuable biomarker for predicting adverse neonatal outcomes, particularly in cases of maternal preeclampsia, and its measurement can help identify high-risk neonates who may benefit from closer monitoring and personalized care. This ratio measures soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1, an anti-angiogenic factor) relative to placental growth factor (PlGF, a pro-angiogenic factor) 1. In neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia, an elevated maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio correlates with increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, including prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, and respiratory distress syndrome 2.
Key Findings
- The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio has been shown to be a reliable tool for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction 3.
- A study published in 2024 found that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was an efficient predictive tool for adverse neonatal outcomes in small-for-gestational-age newborns, with a ratio of 19.1 exhibiting high sensitivity but low specificity 1.
- Another study found that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was a consistent predictor of livebirth and overall survival in severe early-onset fetal growth restriction pregnancies 4.
Clinical Implications
- The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio may have prognostic value for neonatal outcomes when measured in cord blood at delivery 5.
- While primarily used as a maternal biomarker during pregnancy, the ratio may help identify high-risk neonates who require closer monitoring and personalized care.
- Ongoing research is exploring whether this biomarker could guide preventive interventions or personalized care for high-risk neonates 2.
Limitations and Future Directions
- The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is not routinely measured in neonatal clinical practice, and more studies are needed to develop an optimal and detailed formula for risk assessment of adverse outcomes in high-risk neonates 1.
- Further research is required to validate the use of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a predictive tool for adverse neonatal outcomes and to explore its potential applications in clinical practice 3.