Placental Growth Factor (PlGF)
PlGF is a placental protein that is mainly synthesized by the placenta. The blood level is lower in pregnant women at risk of pre-eclampsia compared with those who would not develop the condition.. This decrease is thought to be the consequence of placental hypoxia. PlGF has been shown to be the most discriminating biochemical marker for pre-eclampsia in the first trimester. This risk for down syndrome can also be assessed from the maternal blood level of PIGF at same time of pre-eclampsia screening.
