Predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor for placenta accreta spectrum

This study aimed to assess the maternal features, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placenta Growth Factor (PLGF) in the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS); then, to determine a predictive value of VEGF and PLGF in the PAS. This prospective case-control study was conducted on 90 pregnant women including 45 PAS, and 45 Normal Placenta (NP). Maternal age, gravidity, C/S, and serum levels of VEGF and PLGF were assessed between NP and PAS, and among NP and PAS sub-groups, including Placenta Accreta (PA), Placenta Increta (PI), and Placenta Percreta (PP). The Multi-gravidity, previous C/S, maternal age, and serum level of PLGF were significantly higher in the PAS group compared to the NP group OR = 42, 8.1, 1.17, and 1.002 (p-value <.05 for all); however, there was no difference regarding serum level of VEGF (p-value >.05). The same differences were seen among NP with PA, PI, and PP sub-groups (p-value <.05 for all, but p-value >.05 for VEGF). Placenta Previa was uniformly distributed across the PAS sub-groups (p-value >.05), also the VEGF and PLGF serum levels did not differ between PAS with Previa and PAS without Previa groups (p-value >.05). A valid cut-off point for PLGF was reported at 63.55. A predictive value of PLGF for the PAS patients is presented enjoying high accuracy and generalisability for the study population.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), in which the placenta grows too deep in the uterine wall, is responsible for maternal-foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide; so, the antenatal diagnosis of PAS is an important key to improve maternal-foetal health. Normal placental implantation requires a fine balance among the levels of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, such as the Placenta Growth Factor (PLGF), the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. However, there is still controversy regarding The PLGF and VEGF level changes in PAS patients. What do the results of this study add? Despite traditional measuring the levels of PLGF and VEGF from the placenta at the time of delivery; in this study including 90 participants (28-34 weeks of gestation) the maternal serum levels of PLGF and VEGF were measured in advance (temporality causation), resulted in presenting a more valid cut-off point for PLGF in PAS group. In addition, the serum level of PLGF was significantly higher in the PAS and PAS sub-groups compared to the Normal Placenta group. Also, the Previa status of PAS patients did not affect the VEGF and PLGF serum levels. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? PLGF cut-off point derived from the maternal serum level could predict PAS validly and, if used as a screening test in an earlier pregnancy, the maternal-foetal morbidity and mortality would decrease.

Automated summary

The study found significant differences in maternal age, gravidity, previous C/S, and PLGF serum levels between PAS and NP groups, with no significant difference in VEGF levels. A valid cut-off point for PLGF was reported at 63.55, presenting high predictive value for PAS. This study highlights the importance of early screening using maternal serum PLGF levels to reduce maternal-foetal morbidity and mortality for PAS patients.