The Role of Angiogenic Factors in Fetal Growth Restriction.

Fetal growth restriction complicates up to 10% of pregnancies, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers of placental function, such as PIGF or the sFLT-1/PlGF ratio, are increasingly used in clinical practice, as an adjunct to ultrasound, with an aim of improving detection of the at-risk fetus and reducing morbidity and mortality. Current evidence suggests this combined approach is associated with improved prediction and hence prevention of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, as well as optimizing delivery timing. Future research should focus on determining thresholds for intervention, possible therapeutic targets for angiogenic markers and provide cost-based analysis. Despite limitations, there is growing evidence to suggest placental biomarkers play an important role in the prenatal management of high-risk pregnancies.