Placental Growth Factor and Compromised Fetal Growth: Associations with Placental Ultrasound Morphology and Pathology in a Retrospective Cohort Study

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2026 Open access

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Authors: Ernesto Antônio Figueiró-Filho, Genevieve M. Dietrich, Adrielle P. Souza Lira, Eman Ramadan, Adewumi Adanlawo, Pedro H.G. Guedes, Ana Paula Mendes-Silva
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2026.103371
Cited by: 1
References: 20

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is often associated with placental dysfunction. Circulating placental growth factor (PlGF) is a promising biomarker for identifying pregnancies at risk of placental disease and FGR. This study evaluated how maternal PlGF levels relate to fetal growth and adverse perinatal outcomes, and how compromised growth relates to placental morphology/pathology and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 305 patients. Maternal PlGF levels were measured as the primary exposure. The primary outcome was compromised fetal growth (FGR/small for gestational age versus normal growth) defined by Delphi criteria. Secondary outcomes included abnormal sonographic placental morphology, placental pathology demonstrating maternal or fetal vascular malperfusion, preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal demise, preterm birth

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
48
Issue
7
Pages
103371–103371
Publication date
25 April 2026
Language
EN