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A research team from Sinai Health and the University of Toronto has discovered a potential breakthrough in predicting preterm birth risk, raising hopes for a universal screening strategy. Their study, recently published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF)—a protein crucial for placental development—are strongly associated with preterm birth, defined as delivery before 34 weeks’ gestation.
The findings indicate that a simple blood test measuring PlGF levels in expectant mothers could alert physicians to the need for enhanced monitoring and delivery planning. Since PlGF plays a vital role in maintaining blood vessel relaxation and maternal blood pressure, low levels of this protein could contribute to serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
Key Findings of the Study
The study was conducted from 2020 to 2023 and involved over 9,000 pregnant participants at Mount Sinai Hospital. These individuals underwent PlGF screening between 24 to 28 weeks’ gestation alongside routine gestational diabetes testing. Researchers then analyzed their birth outcomes, including birth weight, gestational age, and the incidence of preeclampsia.
Notably, the study found that women with PlGF levels below 100 picograms per milliliter had a nearly 50-fold higher risk of delivering before 34 weeks. Importantly, this test remains unaffected by factors such as weight, race, or prior pregnancy history, making it a highly specific and reliable screening tool.
“If you know in advance that you’re at high risk, there are ways to improve pregnancy outcomes,” says Dr. Rachel Gladstone, a fourth-year obstetrics and gynecology resident and the study’s lead researcher. “Self-monitoring for high blood pressure and, if necessary, taking antihypertensive medications could be beneficial. Additionally, women initially planning to deliver at community hospitals might opt for tertiary centers equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies.”
Potential Impact and Future Implementation
Currently, many Canadian hospitals have the technology to facilitate PlGF testing, as it is already used in early pregnancy risk assessments for Down syndrome. Experts believe that integrating this test into routine prenatal care could lead to significant health system cost savings and better maternal-fetal outcomes.
Dr. John Kingdom, a clinician-scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, emphasizes the simplicity of this screening: “Unlike most pregnancy tests that require multiple data points, this is a single, straightforward measurement. It is highly specific and easy to interpret.”
With mounting evidence supporting its efficacy, researchers are optimistic that PlGF screening could become a standard component of prenatal care within the next three to five years, potentially reducing the incidence of medically necessary early deliveries.
Disclaimer: The findings presented in this article are based on a research study and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Expectant mothers should consult their healthcare providers for personalized guidance and recommendations.
