Placental Growth Factor, Vitamin D, and Systemic Inflammatory Index may predict Preeclampsia Risk and Severity: Study

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-specific condition characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, posing risks to both mother and fetus. Recent study aimed to assess the predictive value of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), Vitamin D, and Pan-Immune Inflammation Value (PIV) for preeclampsia risk and severity. The retrospective cohort study included 457 pregnant individuals, with findings indicating that lower levels of PlGF and Vitamin D, along with increased PIV, were independently associated with severe preeclampsia risk. Significant differences were observed in PlGF, Vitamin D, and inflammatory markers among control, mild, and severe preeclampsia groups. Logistic regression identified lower PlGF and Vitamin D levels as independent risk factors for severe preeclampsia. PIV also emerged as a strong predictor. ROC analysis showed strong predictive value for PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV in assessing preeclampsia risk.

Inflammation Parameters and Confirmation

Inflammation parameters like neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes differed significantly among groups, with PIV showing the most pronounced elevation in severe preeclampsia. PlGF and Vitamin D levels were notably decreased in preeclampsia patients, indicative of impaired placental vascularization. Multivariate analysis confirmed PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV as independent risk factors for preeclampsia severity.

Validation and Future Directions

Validation in a separate cohort reinforced the predictive capabilities of PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV. Lower PlGF and Vitamin D levels, along with elevated PIV, were associated with increased risks of severe preeclampsia. Future research directions include exploring novel biomarkers and multicenter validation studies to enhance risk prediction models.

Conclusion

The study concludes that incorporating PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV as predictive biomarkers for severe preeclampsia could enable early intervention and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. By addressing limitations and integrating new biomarkers, personalized management of preeclampsia may become more precise in clinical practice."

Key Points

- Lower levels of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and Vitamin D, along with increased Pan-Immune Inflammation Value (PIV), are independently associated with severe preeclampsia risk. - Significant differences were observed in PlGF, Vitamin D, and inflammatory markers among control, mild, and severe preeclampsia groups.

- Logistic regression identified lower PlGF and Vitamin D levels as independent risk factors for severe preeclampsia, with PIV also emerging as a strong predictor.

- Inflammation parameters such as neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes differed significantly among groups, with PIV showing the most pronounced elevation in severe preeclampsia.

- Multivariate analysis confirmed PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV as independent risk factors for preeclampsia severity, indicating impaired placental vascularization in preeclampsia patients.

- Validation in a separate cohort reinforced the predictive capabilities of PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV, suggesting that these biomarkers could enable early intervention and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies in cases of severe preeclampsia.

Reference –

Xiaoyan Han & Hua Yang (2025). Evaluation Of Placental Growth Factor, Vitamin D, And Systemic Inflammatory Index As Predictive Biomarkers For Preeclampsia Severity: A Retrospective Cohort Study. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07187-x.