Predictive Value of SFlt-1/PlGF Ratio for the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disorders in the Puerperium: Pilot Study

At the time of recruitment, patients will be adequately informed about the purpose and modality of the study and will sign an informed consent form for participation in the study. On the first postpartum day, on the occasion of the blood tests included in the normal care routine, the patients will undergo measurement of circulating levels of angiogenic factors (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase, sFlt-1; placental growth factor, PlGF), already used in pregnancy for predicting the risk of early and late preeclampsia. Marker assay kits will be provided free of charge by the company DASIT. Prior to collection, systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be measured by manual sphygmomanometer in supine position after at least 15 minutes of rest.

Anamnestic, clinical and laboratory data regarding pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium will be collected.

A diary for recording blood pressure values in the puerperium will be provided on the same occasion. The patient will be instructed in home blood pressure monitoring which should take place twice a week for the next 6 weeks after delivery. Return of the diary containing the pressure data will be done by e-mail. Postpartum hypertension is defined according to ACOG criteria as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. If altered blood pressure values are found, the patient will be invited to go to the emergency department or to her primary care physician and treated according the usual clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Age > 18 years and < 44 years
• Single pregnancy
• Understanding and obtaining informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Language misunderstanding
• Twin pregnancies
• Inability to comply with study arrangements (e.g., inability to home recording of blood pressure values)