1706 – Angiogenic and anti-angiogenic markers for identification and management of preeclampsia

New MBS item.

Women with preeclampsia have abnormal levels of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors with low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and high levels of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1).

The sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio increases several weeks before the onset of clinical symptoms and signs of preeclampsia and is more marked in cases of early onset and severe disease. 

Women identified as having clinical and/or biochemical symptoms and signs of preeclampsia will be offered an sFlt-1 / PlGF test as a means of confirming the likelihood and severity of disease.

The results of the tests are proposed to be used to:

1. Identify a cohort of women who do not, in fact, have preeclampsia and who can be managed along the normal antenatal pathway.
2. Identify a cohort of women at intermediate risk of preeclampsia who would benefit from an increased level of outpatient assessment. This may include repeat sFlt-1 / PlGF testing later in the pregnancy.
3. Identify a cohort of women at high risk of imminent adverse outcome who can be managed through timely admission and preparation for delivery to mitigate these risks to maternal and fetal outcome.

Type: Investigative technology

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition resulting in maternal hypertension (high blood pressure) and multisystem dysfunction.

Once preeclampsia develops, it becomes progressively worse until infant delivery. Preterm preeclampsia is a more severe form of disease with earlier onset that causes more cardiovascular morbidity for mothers in later life. The preeclamptic fetus is often growth restricted.

Planned pre-term birth puts the surviving fetus at substantially increased risk of death or lifelong morbidity.

• PASC consultation: Closed
• MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 6 October 2023

• PASC meeting: 13–14 April 2022
• ESC meeting: 5–6 October 2023
• MSAC meeting: 23–24 November 2023