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Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T. Preeclampsia: a link between trophoblast dysregulation and an antiangiogenic state. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:2775-7. [PMID: 23934119 DOI: 10.1172/jci70431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A 24-year-old nulliparous woman developed mildly elevated blood pressure (140-150/90-100 mmHg) without proteinuria (20 mg protein in a 24-hour urine collection) at 30⁶/⁷ weeks of gestation. The fetus was small for gestational age (estimated fetal weight under the fifth percentile). At 32⁵/⁷ weeks of gestation, the patient complained of epigastric pain, blood pressure was 180/110 mmHg, proteinuria was documented (780 mg protein in a 24-hour urine collection), schistocytes were detected in the peripheral smear, platelet count was 60,000 cells per mm³, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase was 234 U/l. The patient was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Antenatal steroids were administered to induce fetal lung maturity. She and her family want to know the causes of this condition, what treatment is available, and whether there are any long-term implications of this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Stampalija T, Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Chaemsaithong P, Korzeniewski SJ, Schwartz AG, Ferrazzi EM, Dong Z, Hassan SS. Maternal plasma concentrations of sST2 and angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 26:1359-70. [PMID: 23488689 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.784256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors have emerged as one of the promising biomarkers for the prediction of preeclampsia. Since not all patients with preeclampsia can be identified by these analytes, the search for additional biomarkers continues. The soluble form of ST2 (sST2), a protein capable of binding to interleukin (IL)-33 and thus contributing to a Th1-biased immune response, has been reported to be elevated in maternal plasma of women with preeclampsia. The aims of this study were to examine: (1) differences in maternal plasma concentrations of sST2 and IL-33 between women diagnosed with preeclampsia and those having uncomplicated pregnancies; (2) the relationship between sST2, umbilical and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, and the severity of preeclampsia; and (3) the performance of sST2 and angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in identifying patients with preeclampsia at the time of diagnosis. METHODS This cross-sectional study included women with preeclampsia (n = 106) and women with an uncomplicated pregnancy (n = 131). Plasma concentrations of sST2, IL-33, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1, soluble endoglin (sEng) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were determined by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the identification of preeclampsia was examined for each analyte. RESULTS (1) Patients with preeclampsia had a higher mean plasma concentrations of sST2 than those with an uncomplicated pregnancy (p < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the mean plasma concentration of IL-33 between the two groups was observed; (2) the magnitude of this difference was greater in early-onset, compared to late-onset disease, and in severe compared to mild preeclampsia; (3) sST2 plasma concentrations did not correlate with the results of uterine or umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (p = 0.7 and p = 1, respectively) among women with preeclampsia; (4) sST2 correlated positively with plasma concentrations of sVEGFR1-1 and sEng (Spearman's Rho = 0.72 and 0.63; each p < 0.0001), and negatively with PlGF (Spearman's Rho = -0.56, p < 0.0001); and (5) while the AUC achieved by sST2 and angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in identifying women with preeclampsia at the time of diagnosis were non-significantly different prior to term (<37 weeks of gestation), thereafter the AUC achieved by sST2 was significantly less than that achieved by angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors. CONCLUSIONS Preeclampsia is associated with increased maternal plasma concentrations of sST2. The findings that sST2 concentrations do not correlate with uterine or umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in women with preeclampsia suggest that elevated maternal plasma sST2 concentrations in preeclampsia are not related to the increased impedance to flow in the utero-placental circulation. The performance of sST2 in identifying preeclampsia at the time of diagnosis prior to 37 weeks of gestation was comparable to that of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors. It remains to be elucidated if an elevation of maternal plasma sST2 concentrations in pregnancy is specific to preeclampsia.
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Whitten AE, Romero R, Korzeniewski SJ, Tarca AL, Schwartz AG, Yeo L, Dong Z, Hassan SS, Chaiworapongsa T. Evidence of an imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in massive perivillous fibrin deposition (maternal floor infarction): a placental lesion associated with recurrent miscarriage and fetal death. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 208:310.e1-310.e11. [PMID: 23333548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) is associated with serious complications of pregnancy including recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction, and fetal demise. The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in MPFD differ from those of uncomplicated pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective longitudinal case-control study included MPFD cases (n = 10) and control patients (n = 175) with uncomplicated pregnancies who were enrolled in a longitudinal study and delivered at term. Serial plasma concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 and -2 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cases, n = 28 samples; controls, n = 723 samples). Individual analyte concentrations were averaged across gestational age at specimen collection intervals. Linear mixed models were used to test for differences in log-transformed mean analyte concentrations both overall and as a function of time. RESULTS The following results were found: (1) patients with MPFD had a lower mean plasma PlGF concentration (P = .03) and higher mean plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sEng (both P < .01) than controls, adjusted for potential confounders; (2) the mean plasma concentration of PlGF differed further among cases and controls as a function of gestational age interval (P < .0001); however, mean sVEGFR-1 and sEng group differences as a function of gestational age interval approached but did not reach significance (P = .09 and P = .11, respectively); (3) patients with MPFD had lower mean plasma concentrations of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 (P < .0001) and PlGF/sEng (P < .001): both of these relationships differed further as a function of gestational age interval (both P < .0001); and (4) differences in mean sVEGFR-1, sEng, and the ratios of PlGF to sVEGFR-1 and PlGF to sEng were observed before 20 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION An imbalance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors is present in patients with MPFD prior to the diagnosis. We propose that these changes participate in the mechanisms responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with MPFD.
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Kim SK, Romero R, Savasan ZA, Xu Y, Dong Z, Lee DC, Yeo L, Hassan SS, Chaiworapongsa T. Endoglin in amniotic fluid as a risk factor for the subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 69:105-23. [PMID: 23279628 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-talk between inflammation and angiogenesis pathways has been recently reported. The objectives of this study were to: (i) examine whether amniotic fluid (AF) concentrations of soluble endoglin (sEng), a protein with anti-angiogenic properties, change during pregnancy, parturition, or intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI); (ii) determine whether an increase in sEng in the AF of patients with preterm labor (PTL) and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes; and (iii) investigate potential sources of sEng in AF. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted to include patients in the following groups: (i) mid-trimester (n = 20); (ii) PTL with term delivery (n = 95); (iii) PTL leading to preterm delivery with (n = 40) and without IAI (n = 46); (iv) preterm PROM with (n = 37) and without IAI (n = 37); (v) term in labor (n = 48) and not in labor (n = 44). AF concentrations of sEng were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chorioamniotic membranes, umbilical cord blood, and AF macrophages were examined for the expression of endoglin. RESULTS (i) Patients with IAI had a higher median AF concentration of sEng than those without IAI (P = 0.02 for PTL and 0.06 for preterm PROM); (ii) AF concentrations of sEng in the 3rd and 4th quartiles were associated with IAI (OR 2.5 and 7.9, respectively); (iii) an AF sEng concentration ≥779.5 pg/mL was associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR 7.9); (iv) endoglin was co-localized with CD14+ macrophages in AF pellets of patients with IAI by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; and (v) the concentration of sEng in the supernatant was significantly increased after the treatment of macrophages with endotoxin or TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS Soluble endoglin participates in the host response against IAI. Activated macrophages may be a source of sEng concentrations in the AF of patients with IAI. An increase of sEng in the AF is associated with BPD and adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun K Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Papapostolou T, Briana DD, Boutsikou M, Iavazzo C, Puchner KP, Gourgiotis D, Marmarinos A, Malamitsi-Puchner A. Midtrimester amniotic fluid concentrations of angiogenic factors in relation to maternal, gestational and neonatal characteristics in normal pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 26:75-8. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.728646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Eshkoli T, Holcberg G, Bronfenmacher B, Amash A, Huleihel M, Erez O. Perfusion with magnesium sulfate increases sFlt-1 secretion only in the fetal side of placenta of women with preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 26:116-22. [PMID: 22928533 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.722725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) on sFlt (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase)-1 in the fetal and maternal compartments of normotensive and preeclamptic placentas. METHODS Cotyledons of term normotensive and preeclamptic placentas were dually perfused for six hours, with control medium and MgSO(4) (6-7 mg %) in the maternal reservoir. Perfusate sFlt-1 concentrations were measured. RESULTS Median sFlt-1 concentration was higher in the maternal than in the fetal side in both groups and perfusion media (p < 0.0001). When perfused with control medium, the maternal side median sFlt-1 concentration was higher in the preeclampsia than in the control group (p < 0.0001). After perfusion with MgSO(4), the median maternal and fetal sides perfusate sFlt-1 concentration were higher in the preeclampsia than in the control group (p < 0.0001). In comparison to perfusion with control medium, the median sFlt-1 concentration of normal pregnant women decreased in the fetal and increased in the maternal side. In the preeclampsia group, only median fetal side sFlt-1 concentration increased. CONCLUSION In contrast to normal pregnant women, perfusion with MgSO(4) of preeclamptic placentas did not increase their sFlt-1 concentration. This may indicate that MgSO(4) role may be limited to its anti-eclamptic and does not affect the anti-angiogenic state associated with preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Eshkoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Goetzinger KR, Cahill AG, Kemna J, Odibo L, Macones GA, Odibo AO. First-trimester prediction of preterm birth using ADAM12, PAPP-A, uterine artery Doppler, and maternal characteristics. Prenat Diagn 2012; 32:1002-7. [PMID: 22847849 DOI: 10.1002/pd.3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the efficiency of first-trimester a disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), uterine artery Doppler, and maternal characteristics in the prediction of preterm birth (PTB). METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of patients presenting for first-trimester aneuploidy screening. Maternal serum ADAM12 and PAPP-A levels were measured by immunoassay, and mean uterine artery Doppler pulsatility indices were calculated. The primary outcome was PTB <34 weeks' gestation, and the secondary outcome was PTB <37 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression was used to model the prediction of PTB using ADAM12, PAPP-A, uterine artery Doppler, and maternal characteristics, individually and in combination. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were compared between models. RESULTS Of 578 patients, 36 (6.2%) delivered <34 weeks, and 78 (13.5%) delivered <37 weeks. For a 20% fixed false positive rate, ADAM12, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler identified 58%, 52%, and 62% of patients with PTB <34 weeks and 42%, 48%, and 50% of patients with PTB <37 weeks, respectively. Combining these first-trimester parameters did not improve the predictive efficiency of the models. CONCLUSION First-trimester ADAM12, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler are each modestly predictive of PTB; however, combinations of these parameters do not further improve their screening efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Goetzinger
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Romero R, Soto E, Berry SM, Hassan SS, Kusanovic JP, Yoon BH, Edwin S, Mazor M, Chaiworapongsa T. Blood pH and gases in fetuses in preterm labor with and without systemic inflammatory response syndrome. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:1160-70. [PMID: 21988103 PMCID: PMC3383905 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2011.629247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal hypoxemia has been proposed to be one of the mechanisms of preterm labor (PTL) and delivery. This may have clinical implications since it may alter: (i) the method/frequency of fetal surveillance and (ii) the indications and duration of tocolysis to an already compromised fetus. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a difference in the fetal blood gas analysis [pH, PaO(2) and base excess (BE)] and in the prevalence of fetal acidemia and hypoxia between: (i) patients in PTL who delivered within 72 hours vs. those who delivered more than 72 hours after cordocentesis and (ii) patients with fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) vs. those without this condition. STUDY DESIGN Patients admitted with PTL underwent amniocentesis and cordocentesis. Ninety women with singleton pregnancies and PTL were classified according to (i) those who delivered within 72 hours (n = 30) and after 72 hours of the cordocentesis (n = 60) and (ii) with and without FIRS. FIRS was defined as a fetal plasma concentration of IL-6 > 11 pg/mL. Fetal blood gases were determined. Acidemia and hypoxemia were defined as fetal pH and PaO(2) below the 5th percentile for gestational age, respectively. For comparisons between the two study groups, ΔpH and ΔPaO(2) were calculated by adjusting for gestational age (Δ = observed value - mean for gestational age). Non-parametric statistics were employed. RESULTS No differences in the median Δ pH (-0.026 vs. -0.016), ΔPaO(2) (0.25 mmHg vs. 5.9 mmHg) or BE (-2.4 vs. -2.6 mEq/L) were found between patients with PTL who delivered within 72 hours and those who delivered 72 hours after the cordocentesis (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Fetal plasma IL-6 concentration was determined in 63% (57/90) of fetuses and the prevalence of FIRS was 28% (16/57). There was no difference in fetal pH, PaO(2) and BE between fetuses with and without FIRS (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Moreover, there was no difference in the rate of fetal acidemia between fetuses with and without FIRS (6.3 vs. 9.8%; p > 0.05) and fetal hypoxia between fetuses with or without FIRS (12.5 vs. 19.5%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support a role for acute fetal hypoxemia and metabolic acidemia in the etiology of PTL and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Intramural Division, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, Basso O. On the pitfalls of adjusting for gestational age at birth. Am J Epidemiol 2011; 174:1062-8. [PMID: 21946386 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwr230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm delivery is a powerful predictor of newborn morbidity and mortality. Such problems are due to not only immaturity but also the pathologic factors (such as infection) that cause early delivery. The understanding of these underlying pathologic factors is incomplete at best. To the extent that unmeasured pathologies triggering preterm delivery also directly harm the fetus, they will confound the association of early delivery with neonatal outcomes. This, in turn, complicates studies of newborn outcomes more generally. When investigators analyze the association of risk factors with neonatal outcomes, adjustment for gestational age as a mediating variable will lead to bias. In the language of directed acyclic graphs, gestational age is a collider. The theoretical basis for colliders has been well described, and gestational age has recently been acknowledged as a possible collider. However, the impact of this problem, as well as its implications for perinatal research, has not been fully appreciated. The authors discuss the evidence for confounding and present simulations to explore how much bias is produced by adjustments for gestational age when estimating direct effects. Under plausible conditions, frank reversal of exposure-outcome associations can occur. When the purpose is causal inference, there are few settings in which adjustment for gestational age can be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen J Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch (MD A3-05), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC 27709, USA.
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Mijal RS, Holzman CB, Rana S, Karumanchi SA, Wang J, Sikorskii A. Mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers as indicators of pathways to preterm delivery. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 25:1135-41. [PMID: 21939291 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2011.625458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers were associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (PTD). METHODS We studied a subcohort from the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health Study for whom mid-pregnancy angiogenic markers (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFlt-1], soluble endoglin [sEng] and placental growth factor [PlGF]) and covariate data were available (N = 1301). Angiogenic marker levels were grouped as high/not high (sFlt-1 and sEng), low/not low (PlGF) and high/intermediate/low (sFlt-1). Associations between levels of angiogenic markers and PTD/PTD subtype were determined for women who were nonsmokers during pregnancy (N = 933). RESULTS Low PlGF and high sEng were associated with medically-indicated PTD and PTD <35 weeks, largely due to preeclampsia (PE). Excluding PE and small-for-gestational-age infants, low sFlt-1 was positively associated with medically-indicated PTD. CONCLUSIONS Among nonsmokers, mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers may mark multiple pathways leading to PTD, only one attributable to PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée S Mijal
- Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Savasan ZA, Kusanovic JP, Ogge G, Soto E, Dong Z, Tarca A, Gaurav B, Hassan SS. Maternal plasma concentrations of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors are of prognostic value in patients presenting to the obstetrical triage area with the suspicion of preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 24:1187-207. [PMID: 21827221 PMCID: PMC3384532 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2011.589932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and -2 could identify patients at risk for developing preeclampsia (PE) requiring preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN Patients presenting with the diagnosis "rule out PE" to the obstetrical triage area of our hospital at <37 weeks of gestation (n = 87) were included in this study. Delivery outcomes were used to classify patients into four groups: I) patients without PE or those with gestational hypertension (GHTN) or chronic hypertension (CHTN) who subsequently developed PE at term (n = 19); II): mild PE who delivered at term (n = 15); III): mild disease (mild PE, GHTN, CHTN) who subsequently developed severe PE requiring preterm delivery (n = 26); and IV): diagnosis of severe PE (n = 27). Plasma concentrations of PlGF, sEng, sVEGFR-1 and -2 were determined at the time of presentation by ELISA. Reference ranges for analytes were constructed by quantile regression in our laboratory (n = 180; 1046 samples). Comparisons among groups were performed using multiples of the median (MoM) and parametric statistics after log transformation. Receiver operating characteristic curves, logistic regression and survival analysis were employed for analysis. RESULTS The mean MoM plasma concentration of PlGF/sVEGFR-1, PlGF/sEng, PlGF, sVEGFR-1 and -2, and sEng in Group III was significantly different from Group II (all p < 0.05). A plasma concentration of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ≤ 0.05 MoM or PlGF/sEng ≤0.07 MoM had the highest likelihood ratio of a positive test (8.3, 95% CI 2.8-25 and 8.6, 95% CI 2.9-25, respectively), while that of PlGF ≤0.396 MoM had the lowest likelihood ratio of a negative test (0.08, 95% CI 0.03-0.25). The association between low plasma concentrations of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 (≤0.05 MoM) as well as that of PlGF/sEng (≤0.07 MoM) and the development of severe PE remained significant after adjusting for gestational age at presentation, average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a history of chronic hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 27 (95% CI 6.4-109) and adjusted OR 30 (95% CI 6.9-126), respectively]. Among patients who presented <34 weeks gestation (n = 59), a plasma concentration of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 < 0.033 MoM identified patients who delivered within 2 weeks because of PE with a sensitivity of 93% (25/27) and a specificity of 78% (25/32). This cut-off was associated with a shorter interval-to-delivery due to PE [hazard ratio = 6 (95% CI 2.5-14.6)]. CONCLUSIONS Plasma concentrations of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors are of prognostic value in the obstetrical triage area. These observations support the value of these biomarkers in the clinical setting for the identification of the patient at risk for disease progression requiring preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zeynep Alpay Savasan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile and Center for Perinatal Research, Sótero del Río Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giovanna Ogge
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eleazar Soto
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Adi Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Bhatti Gaurav
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Hassan SS. Placental bed disorders in preterm labor, preterm PROM, spontaneous abortion and abruptio placentae. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2011; 25:313-27. [PMID: 21388889 PMCID: PMC3092823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Failure of physiologic transformation of the spiral arteries has been studied using placental bed biopsies in several obstetrical syndromes. Contrary to what was originally believed, this lesion is not restricted to preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction. A review of published evidence indicates that failure of physiologic transformation can be observed in women with spontaneous second trimester abortions, preterm labor with intact membranes, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and abruptio placentae. Therefore, disorders of deep placentation are present in a wide range of complications of pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the physiology and pathology of transformation of the spiral arteries. We propose that changes in the population and function of immunocytes at the maternal-fetal interface can be part of the mechanism of disease of obstetrical disorders, and this requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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Beta J, Akolekar R, Ventura W, Syngelaki A, Nicolaides KH. Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery from maternal factors, obstetric history and placental perfusion and function at 11-13 weeks. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:75-83. [PMID: 21210482 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a model for prediction of spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks based on maternal factors, placental perfusion and function at 11-13 weeks' gestation. METHODS Two groups of studies: first, screening study of maternal characteristics, serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI). Second, case-control studies of maternal serum or plasma concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF), placental protein 13 (PP13), a disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12), inhibin-A and activin-A. Regression analysis was used to develop a model for the prediction of spontaneous early delivery. RESULTS Spontaneous early delivery occurred in 365 (1.1%) of the 34 025 pregnancies. A model based on maternal factors could detect 38.2% of the preterm deliveries in women with previous pregnancies at or beyond 16 weeks and 18.4% in those without, at a false positive rate (FPR) of 10%. In the preterm delivery group, compared with unaffected pregnancies there were no significant differences in the markers of placental perfusion or function, except for PAPP-A which was reduced. CONCLUSIONS Patient-specific risk of preterm delivery is provided by maternal factors and obstetric history. Placental perfusion and function at 11-13 weeks are not altered in pregnancies resulting in spontaneous early delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarek Beta
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Conde-Agudelo A, Papageorghiou AT, Kennedy SH, Villar J. Novel biomarkers for the prediction of the spontaneous preterm birth phenotype: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2011; 118:1042-54. [PMID: 21401853 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02923.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being able to predict preterm birth is important, as it may allow a high-risk population to be selected for future interventional studies and help in understanding the pathways that lead to preterm birth. OBJECTIVE To investigate the accuracy of novel biomarkers to predict spontaneous preterm birth in women with singleton pregnancies and no symptoms of preterm labour. SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, and Medion, references of retrieved articles, and conference proceedings. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA Observational studies that evaluated the accuracy of biomarkers proposed in the last decade to predict spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women. We excluded studies in which biomarkers were evaluated in women with preterm labour. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, quality, and accuracy. Data were arranged in 2 × 2 contingency tables and synthesised separately for spontaneous preterm birth before 32, 34, and 37 weeks of gestation. We used bivariate meta-analysis to estimate pooled sensitivities and specificities, and calculated likelihood ratios (LRs). MAIN RESULTS A total of 72 studies, including 89,786 women and evaluating 30 novel biomarkers, met the inclusion criteria. Only three biomarkers (proteome profile and prolactin in cervicovaginal fluid, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 in amniotic fluid) had positive LRs > 10. However, each of these biomarkers was evaluated in only one small study. Four biomarkers had a moderate predictive accuracy (interleukin-6 and angiogenin, in amniotic fluid; human chorionic gonadotrophin and phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, in cervicovaginal fluid). The remaining biomarkers had low predictive accuracies. CONCLUSIONS None of the biomarkers evaluated in this review meet the criteria to be considered a clinically useful test to predict spontaneous preterm birth. Further large, prospective cohort studies are needed to evaluate promising biomarkers such as a proteome profile in cervicovaginal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Brosens I, Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Romero R. The "Great Obstetrical Syndromes" are associated with disorders of deep placentation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 204:193-201. [PMID: 21094932 PMCID: PMC3369813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1021] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Defective deep placentation has been associated with a spectrum of complications of pregnancy including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, late spontaneous abortion, and abruptio placentae. The disease of the placental vascular bed that underpins these complications is commonly investigated with targeted biopsies. In this review, we critically evaluate the biopsy technique to summarize the salient types of defective deep placentation, and propose criteria for the classification of defective deep placentation into 3 types based on the degree of restriction of remodeling and the presence of obstructive lesions in the myometrial segment of the spiral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Brosens
- Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Pijnenborg
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisbeth Vercruysse
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Women’s Hospital and Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Mijal RS, Holzman CB, Rana S, Karumanchi SA, Wang J, Sikorskii A. Midpregnancy levels of angiogenic markers in relation to maternal characteristics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 204:244.e1-12. [PMID: 21145529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe relations among maternal demographic and lifestyle characteristics and midpregnancy levels of angiogenic markers (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor, soluble endoglin). STUDY DESIGN In a large pregnancy cohort, linear models were used to evaluate relations among maternal characteristics and midpregnancy angiogenic markers with and without covariate adjustment. Associations were examined in a subcohort that included term and preterm deliveries (n = 1302) and among "normal" term pregnancies (n = 668). RESULTS Concentrations of all factors declined with increasing maternal body mass index. Multiparous women had lower soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels than primiparous women. Higher placental growth factor and slightly lower soluble endoglin levels were observed among women who smoked at enrollment, but not among those women who quit before enrollment. African American women had higher levels of all markers. CONCLUSION Understanding relations among maternal characteristics and levels of angiogenic factors may improve studies that use these markers to examine etiology and/or to predict adverse pregnancy outcome.
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Bujold E, Roberge S, Tapp S, Giguère Y. Opinion & HypothesisCould early aspirin prophylaxis prevent against preterm birth? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 24:966-7. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.531319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wikström AK, Stephansson O, Cnattingius S. Previous preeclampsia and risks of adverse outcomes in subsequent nonpreeclamptic pregnancies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 204:148.e1-6. [PMID: 21055722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that preeclampsia partly shares pathophysiology with stillbirth, placental abruption, spontaneous preterm birth, and giving birth to a small-for-gestational-age infant, and that women who develop preeclampsia in the first pregnancy may have increased risks of the other outcomes in the second pregnancy, even in the absence of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN In a nationwide Swedish cohort (n = 354,676) we estimated risks of adverse outcomes in the second pregnancy related to preterm (< 37 weeks) and term (≥ 37 weeks) preeclampsia in the first pregnancy, using women without preeclampsia in the first pregnancy as reference. RESULTS Women with prior preterm preeclampsia had, in second pregnancy, more than doubled risks of stillbirth, placental abruption, and preterm births, and an even greater risk of giving birth to a small-for-gestational-age infant. CONCLUSION Women with previous preterm preeclampsia have increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a second pregnancy despite the absence of preeclampsia.
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Savasan ZA, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Kusanovic JP, Kim SK, Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Mittal P, Ogge G, Madan I, Dong Z, Yeo L, Hassan SS. Evidence in support of a role for anti-angiogenic factors in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:828-41. [PMID: 20158393 PMCID: PMC3104674 DOI: 10.3109/14767050903440471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal bleeding, placental abruption, and defective placentation are frequently observed in patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). Recently, a role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)- 1 has been implicated in the mechanisms of membrane rupture. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the soluble form of VEGFR-1 and -2 concentrations in amniotic fluid (AF) change with preterm PROM, intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI), or parturition. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included 544 patients in the following groups: (1) midtrimester (MT) (n = 48); (2) preterm labor (PTL) leading to term delivery (n = 143); (3) PTL resulting in preterm delivery with (n = 72) and without IAI (n = 100); (4) preterm PROM with (n = 46) and without IAI (n = 42); (5) term in labor (n = 48); and (6) term not in labor (n = 45). The concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics and logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS (1) Preterm PROM (with and without IAI) had a lower median AF concentration of sVEGFR-1 than patients with PTL who delivered at term (p < 0.001 for each comparison); (2) A decrease in AFsVEGFR-1 concentrations per each quartile was associated with PROM after adjusting for confounders (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.4-2.3); (3) IAI, regardless of the membrane status, was not associated with a change in the median AF concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 (p > 0.05 for each comparison); and (4) Spontaneous term and PTL did not change the median sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 concentrations (p > 0.05 for each comparison). CONCLUSION (1) This is the first evidence that preterm PROM is associated with a lower AF concentration of sVEGFR-1 than patients with PTL intact membranes. These findings cannot be attributed to gestational age, labor, or IAI; and (2) AF concentrations of sVEGFR-2 did not change with preterm PROM, IAI, or labor at term and preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Alpay Savasan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Sun Kwon Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Edi Vaisbuch
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Giovanna Ogge
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ichchha Madan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Romero R, Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Gomez R, Nien JK, Yoon BH, Mazor M, Luo J, Banks D, Ryals J, Beecher C. Metabolomics in premature labor: a novel approach to identify patients at risk for preterm delivery. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:1344-59. [PMID: 20504069 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.482618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biomarkers for preterm labor (PTL) and delivery can be discovered through the analysis of the transcriptome (transcriptomics) and protein composition (proteomics). Characterization of the global changes in low-molecular weight compounds which constitute the 'metabolic network' of cells (metabolome) is now possible by using a 'metabolomics' approach. Metabolomic profiling has special advantages over transcriptomics and proteomics since the metabolic network is downstream from gene expression and protein synthesis, and thus more closely reflects cell activity at a functional level. This study was conducted to determine if metabolomic profiling of the amniotic fluid can identify women with spontaneous PTL at risk for preterm delivery, regardless of the presence or absence of intraamniotic infection/inflammation (IAI). STUDY DESIGN Two retrospective cross-sectional studies were conducted, including three groups of pregnant women with spontaneous PTL and intact membranes: (1) PTL who delivered at term; (2) PTL without IAI who delivered preterm; and (3) PTL with IAI who delivered preterm. The first was an exploratory study that included 16, 19, and 20 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The second study included 40, 33, and 40 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Amniotic fluid metabolic profiling was performed by combining chemical separation (with gas and liquid chromatography) and mass spectrometry. Compounds were identified using authentic standards. The data were analyzed using discriminant analysis for the first study and Random Forest for the second. RESULTS (1) In the first study, metabolomic profiling of the amniotic fluid was able to identify patients as belonging to the correct clinical group with an overall 96.3% (53/55) accuracy; 15 of 16 patients with PTL who delivered at term were correctly classified; all patients with PTL without IAI who delivered preterm neonates were correctly identified as such (19/19), while 19/20 patients with PTL and IAI were correctly classified. (2) In the second study, metabolomic profiling was able to identify patients as belonging to the correct clinical group with an accuracy of 88.5% (100/113); 39 of 40 patients with PTL who delivered at term were correctly classified; 29 of 33 patients with PTL without IAI who delivered preterm neonates were correctly classified. Among patients with PTL and IAI, 32/40 were correctly classified. The metabolites responsible for the classification of patients in different clinical groups were identified. A preliminary draft of the human amniotic fluid metabolome was generated and found to contain products of the intermediate metabolism of mammalian cells and xenobiotic compounds (e.g. bacterial products and Salicylamide). CONCLUSION Among patients with spontaneous PTL with intact membranes, metabolic profiling of the amniotic fluid can be used to assess the risk of preterm delivery in the presence or absence of infection/inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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71
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Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Erez O, Tarca AL, Gervasi MT, Kusanovic JP, Mittal P, Ogge G, Vaisbuch E, Mazaki-Tovi S, Dong Z, Kim SK, Yeo L, Hassan SS. An imbalance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors precedes fetal death in a subset of patients: results of a longitudinal study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:1384-99. [PMID: 20459337 DOI: 10.3109/14767051003681121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women with a fetal death at the time of diagnosis have higher maternal plasma concentrations of the anti-angiogenic factor, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1, than women with a normal pregnancy. An important question is whether these changes are the cause or consequence of fetal death. To address this issue, we conducted a longitudinal study and measured the maternal plasma concentrations of selective angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors before the diagnosis of a fetal death. The anti-angiogenic factors studied were sVEGFR-1 and soluble endoglin (sEng), and the angiogenic factor, placental growth factor (PlGF). METHODS This retrospective longitudinal nested case-control study included 143 singleton pregnancies in the following groups: (1) patients with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered a term infant with an appropriate weight for gestational age (n=124); and (2) patients who had a fetal death (n=19). Blood samples were collected at each prenatal visit, scheduled at 4-week intervals from the first trimester until delivery. Plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-1, sEng, and PlGF were determined by specific and sensitive ELISA. A linear mixed-effects model was used for analysis. RESULTS (1) The average profiles of analyte concentrations as a function of gestational age for sVEGFR-1, sEng and PlGF were different between women destined to have a fetal death and those with a normal pregnancy after adjusting for covariates (p<0.05); (2) Plasma sVEGFR-1 concentrations in patients destined to have a fetal death were significantly lower between 7 and 11 weeks of gestation and became significantly higher than those of women with a normal pregnancy between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation (p<0.05); (3) Similarly, plasma sEng concentrations of women destined to have a fetal death were lower at 7 weeks of gestation (p=0.04) and became higher than those of controls between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation (p<0.05); (4) In contrast, plasma PlGF concentrations were higher among patients destined to develop a fetal death between 7 and 14 weeks of gestation and became significantly lower than those in the control group between 22 and 39 weeks of gestation (p<0.05); (5) The ratio of PlGF/(sVEGFR-1 × sEng) was significantly higher in women destined to have a fetal death between 7 and 13 weeks of gestation (94-781%) and significantly lower (44-75%) than those in normal pregnant women between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation (p<0.05); (6) Similar results were obtained when patients with a fetal death were stratified into those who were diagnosed before or after 37 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS Fetal death is characterised by higher maternal plasma concentrations of PlGF during the first trimester compared to normal pregnancy. This profile changes into an anti-angiogenic one during the second and third trimesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Wayne State University/Hutzel Women's Hospital, 3990 John R, Box 4, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Romero R, Velez DR, Kusanovic JP, Hassan SS, Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Kim CJ, Chaiworapongsa T, Pearce B, Friel LA, Bartlett J, Anant MK, Salisbury BA, Vovis GF, Lee MS, Gomez R, Behnke E, Oyarzun E, Tromp G, Williams SM, Menon R. Identification of fetal and maternal single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes that predispose to spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 202:431.e1-34. [PMID: 20452482 PMCID: PMC3604889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal/fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes are associated with spontaneous preterm labor/delivery. STUDY DESIGN A genetic association study was conducted in 223 mothers and 179 fetuses (preterm labor with intact membranes who delivered <37 weeks of gestation [preterm birth (PTB)]), and 599 mothers and 628 fetuses (normal pregnancy); 190 candidate genes and 775 SNPs were studied. Single locus/haplotype association analyses were performed; the false discovery rate was used to correct for multiple testing. RESULTS The strongest single locus associations with PTB were interleukin-6 receptor 1 (fetus; P=.000148) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (mother; P=.000197), which remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Global haplotype analysis indicated an association between a fetal DNA variant in insulin-like growth factor F2 and maternal alpha 3 type IV collagen isoform 1 (global, P=.004 and .007, respectively). CONCLUSION An SNP involved in controlling fetal inflammation (interleukin-6 receptor 1) and DNA variants in maternal genes encoding for proteins involved in extracellular matrix metabolism approximately doubled the risk of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Digna R. Velez
- Department of Human Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, and John P. Hussman Institute of Human Genomics and University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Edi Vaisbuch
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Brad Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lara A. Friel
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jacquelaine Bartlett
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | | | | | - Min Seob Lee
- Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ricardo Gomez
- CEDIP (Center for Perinatal Diagnosis and Research), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sotero del Rio Hospital, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ernesto Behnke
- CEDIP (Center for Perinatal Diagnosis and Research), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sotero del Rio Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Oyarzun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gerard Tromp
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott M. Williams
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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