Abstract:
Introduction: Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) is associated with
placental dysfunction. Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) can help in the
prediction and timely diagnosis of FGR. This study aimed to evaluate the
association between FGR, PlGF, and perinatal outcomes.
Methods: Retrospective cohort of 292 patients. The primary
exposure was maternal PlGF levels. Primary outcomes were fetal growth,
abnormal sonographic placental morphology, preeclampsia, fetal demise
(IUFD), preterm birth (PTB) < 34weeks, low birth weight,
neonatal admission to NICU and placental pathology findings.
Results: Normal-grown fetuses had longer pregnancies when
compared to FGR pregnancies. Low PlGF levels were statistically
significant and almost 5-fold higher among pregnancies with compromised
fetal growth. There were 12.5-fold chance of IUFD in fetuses with
compromised growth. Low birthweight was over ten times higher in
growth-restricted fetuses. PTB < 34w and neonatal admission to
NICU were also increased among patients with compromised fetal growth.
Abnormal sonographic placental morphology was associated with fetal
growth restriction. Preeclampsia was not associated with compromised
fetal growth in this cohort. Abnormal placental pathology was increased
7-fold in growth-restricted fetuses.
Conclusion: PlGF for the management of high-risk cases with
compromised fetal growth is useful. The results confirm that compromised
fetal growth is representative of placental dysfunction, associated with
or without preeclampsia. In this context, PlGF testing has the potential
to improve healthcare outcome in obstetrical care, especially in remote
or low-resource settings.