Assessing the Median Serum Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) Levels in the First Trimester of Pregnancy Regarding Gestational Age and Maternal Influencing Factors from a Prospective Observational Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association of risk factors, including ethnicity, maternal weight, smoking status, and assisted reproduction technology, with serum placental growth factor (PIGF) levels in the early first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This was a multicenter observational study involving pregnant females in the first trimester between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks of gestation. Serum PlGF concentrations were analyzed in relation to ethnicity, maternal weight, smoking status, and conception through assisted reproduction technology. Results: A total of 376 patients were included in the study and had their serum PlGF levels measured. The results showed that the serum PlGF level was 4.3% higher in the Asian group compared to the Caucasian group. Smokers had 1.78 times higher levels of serum PlGF compared to non-smokers. Assisted reproduction technology had no impact on levels of serum PlGF compared to spontaneous pregnancies. There was a negative correlation between serum PlGF levels and maternal weight, but is was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Maternal weight was negatively correlated with serum PlGF levels, even this association was statistically not significant. High serum PlGF levels were observed in smokers and in non-Caucasians. Further research is needed to establish a concrete analysis of these findings.