EG-VEGF Maternal Levels Predict Spontaneous Preterm Birth in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy

Abstract Background: Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women remains a great challenge for the public health system. The aim of the study was to determine the informational value of EG-VEGF circulating levels in pregnant women at high risk for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in the second and third trimesters. Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study including 200 pregnant patients with five-serum sampling per patient. Results: Women with spontaneous preterm birth have higher concentrations of serum EG-VEGF than uncomplicated patients at 24 weeks, 28 weeks and 32 weeks (p= 0.03, 0.02 and <0.001). The areas under the curve reached 0.9 with 100% sensibility at 32 weeks for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. Conclusions: Serum EG-VEGF concentrations could be considered as a reliable biomarker of spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women.