New Delhi [India]: You may have heard some women going through serious complications during their pregnancy. While some go through relatively better pregnancy experience, others may have to deal with complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia. These complications pose a high risk to both the mother and baby.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, typically the liver and kidneys. If not detected and managed in time, it may lead to premature delivery, seizures or prove fatal to both lives.
The good news is that advanced diagnostic procedures and tests can now detect this complication early on and also identify women who are at higher risk of preeclampsia. PLGF test or a preeclampsia screening plays a critical role in empowering healthcare providers to detect this condition early on and take preventive action. Read on further to understand more about preeclampsia and the PGLF test.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication in which a certain protein, Placental Growth Factor, responsible for the development of healthy blood vessels, is quite low. Along with the low levels of this protein, high blood pressure, unexplained headaches and signs of organ damage to the kidneys or liver are also detected, usually after 20 weeks of gestation. This condition can lead to low birth weight of the baby, premature deliveries and in severe cases, even death. Preeclampsia often develops slowly, without any noticeable signs in the initial stages.
What is the PLGF Test?
The PLGF test is short for Placental Growth Factor Test. This test measures the level of a protein, called the Placental Growth Factor, produced by the placenta. Low levels of the PLGF protein in early pregnancy give a strong indication of an increased preeclampsia risk.
Other parameters such as mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler and maternal history, when combined with low PLGF levels, strongly indicate the risk of early-onset preeclampsia. All these factors combined give a highly accurate diagnosis of this condition in the first trimester. Early detection of preeclampsia helps doctors take the necessary precautions and preventive measures to reduce complications.
Why Early Detection Can Save Lives
Preeclampsia can develop rapidly, and often, without showing any symptoms in the early stages. Thus, detecting the risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester provides ample time for necessary medical intervention.
According to research, initiating Aspirin Prophylaxis in high-risk women before 16 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of early-onset preeclampsia by up to 80%. In simple terms, Aspirin Prophylaxis means giving a low dose of aspirin every night to high-risk women, starting before the 16th week of pregnancy. This daily dosage of aspirin improves the blood flow to the placenta, thereby reducing the stress on the mother’s body. This leads to a reduction in the chances of early-onset preeclampsia.
Early detection can also enable medical professionals to:
Implement lifestyle and dietary recommendations early on.
Increase monitoring frequency to ensure better health of both the mother and child.
The Role of Angiogenic Biomarkers
Angiogenic Biomarkers are biological indicators that showcase the health of placental blood vessel formation. These biological indicators, or clues, help doctors assess whether the blood vessel development is healthy. The PLGF test is done based on these Angiogenic Biomarkers. If the PLGF levels are lower than expected, it can signal problems with placental function, which may lead to preeclampsia.
PLGF is one of the most reliable biomarkers for preeclampsia risk assessment. Once identified, doctors can take necessary preventive measures for the complications that may arise, even before any symptoms show up.
First-Trimester Screening for Better Pregnancy Outcomes
The first trimester is a crucial period for analysing fetal development and maternal health. First-trimester screening, including a PLGF test, provides a more comprehensive risk profile. With this test, high-risk pregnancies can be identified at 11 to 14 weeks, enabling careful planning and treatment.
About LifeCell Diagnostics
LifeCell Diagnostics is a trusted name in advanced prenatal testing and preventive healthcare solutions. With cutting-edge laboratory technology, experienced specialists, and a commitment to quality, LifeCell offers expectant mothers reliable, timely, and accurate diagnostic services.
Our services are designed to support a healthy pregnancy journey through early detection and personalised care.
LifeCell Diagnostics can be the best choice for your pregnancy screening needs. You can benefit from our advanced technology, personalised care, trusted expertise and nationwide accessibility.
First Trimester Quadruple (Delfia) – Featuring PLGF
One of LifeCell’s most advanced prenatal screening tests is the First Trimester Quadruple (Delfia) Test.
This screening evaluates some key biomarkers, including:
- Free Beta HCG
- PAPP – A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A)
- NT/NB (Nuchal Translucency/Nasal Bone)
- MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure)
- UTPi (Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index)
- PIGF (Placental Growth Factor)
Who Is The Right Candidate?
International bodies like ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) and ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics) recommend Double Marker screening for expectant mothers who:
They are in their first trimester
Are above 35 years of age
Have certain illnesses (fever, viral infections, diabetes)
Experience symptoms like fatigue, being overweight, hypertension, or bone disorders
Have a family history of genetic disorders or hypertension
By choosing the First Trimester Quadruple (Delfia) test, expectant mothers can get peace of mind and the opportunity to take preventive steps.
Book Your Screening Today
Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications worldwide. But, with early detection via the Preeclampsia Screening or the PLGF Test, you can ensure a safe pregnancy by taking the right preventive measures early on.
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