Preeclampsia without proteinuria: the role of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio – a case report

Authors

  • Miguel Martins Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Dour https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2252-1394
  • Catarina Veiga Department of Nephrology, Unidade Local de Saúde Viseu Dão-Lafões
  • Inês Brás Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Dour https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3954-4972
  • Rosário Almeida Lopes Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Dour
  • Ana Isabel Correia Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Dour
  • Osvaldo Moutinho Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Dour

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v35.i3.47678

Keywords:

angiogenic biomarkers, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placental growth factor, preeclampsia, risk stratification, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio reflects placental angiogenic imbalance and may support diagnosis and short-term risk stratification.
Case Presentation: A 29-year-old primigravida developed new-onset hypertension at 34 weeks and 1 day without significant proteinuria, with preserved renal function and hyperuricaemia. The ratio was markedly elevated at 318.4, prompting admission, antenatal corticosteroids, and close maternal-fetal surveillance. At 34 weeks and 3 days, labour was induced because of persistent hypertension and rising transaminases, culminating in caesarean section for arrest of dilatation and non-reassuring fetal status. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were favourable.
Discussion: The biomarker supported risk stratification and escalation of care in an equivocal presentation.
Conclusion: Placental growth factor-based testing may complement clinical assessment in suspected preeclampsia without proteinuria.

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References

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Published

2026-10-12

How to Cite

1.
Martins M, Veiga C, Brás I, Almeida Lopes R, Isabel Correia A, Moutinho O. Preeclampsia without proteinuria: the role of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio – a case report. BGMJ [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 12 [cited 2026 Oct. 15];35(3):143-6. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/bgmj/article/view/47678

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Clinical Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Miguel Martins, Catarina Veiga, Inês Brás, Ana Isabel Correia, Rosário Almeida Lopes, Osvaldo Moutinho

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