Prediction of Fetal Growth Restriction by Analyzing the Messenger RNAs of Angiogenic Factor in the Plasma of Pregnant Women. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takenaka, Shin; Ventura, Walter; Sterrantino, Anna Freni; Kawashima, Akihiro; Koide, Keiko; Hori, Kyoko; Farina, Antonio; Sekizawa, Akihiko
• Is Part Of: Reproductive sciences. Volume 22:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 743
• Page End: 749
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: messenger RNA -- fetal growth restriction -- vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 -- small for gestational age; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; 612.6
• DOI: 10.1177/1933719114557895
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1933-7191

Abstract

Objective: To predict the occurrence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) by analyzing messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [Flt-1]) in maternal blood. Study Design: Eleven women with FGR were matched with 88 controls. Plasma samples were obtained during each trimester. The Flt-1 mRNA expression levels were compared between groups. Predicted probabilities were calculated, and sensitivity–specificity (receiver–operating characteristic [ROC]) curves were assessed based on regression models for each trimester measurement and possible combinations of measurements. Results: The mRNA levels of the FGR group during all trimesters were significantly higher than those of the control group. The ROC curve of combined first and second trimester data yielded a detection rate of 60% at a 10% false-positive rate, with an area under curve of 0.79. Conclusion: The Flt-1 mRNA expression in maternal blood can be used as a marker to predict the development of FGR, long before a clinical diagnosis is made.