Association Between Cord Blood Placental Growth Factor Level, Fetal Doppler Parameters and Neonatal Growth Measures

Background: Placental growth factor (PlGF) contributes to fetoplacental circulatory system development, whichever revealed to have an effect on the fetal size and growth. Objectives: To explore the inference between umbilical cord blood [fetal] PlGF, fetal doppler parameters, gestational age and neonatal growth parameters particularly birth weight, birth length, head circumference and mid arm circumference. Research protocol: This cross-sectional investigation was implemented on 50 pregnant women in their third trimester, aged 18-35years and their full term newborns. Full history taking, gestational age, general and obstetric examination and ultrasound investigation, fetal biometrics and doppler ultrasound were carried out. Umbilical cord blood PlGF was quantified using ELISA. All the enrolled neonates were submitted to full clinical examination by pediatrician and their anthropometric parameters were measured before breast feeding started. Results: Umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI) revealed significant negative correlation with neonatal weight and PlGF level. Meanwhile, gestational age (GA) showed significant positive correlation with the neonatal anthropometric parameters including mid arm circumference (MAC), head circumference, weight, length, weight Z score, length Z score, head Z score weight to length (W/L) and weight to length Z score (W/L Z Score). Also, significant positive correlation between PlGF and gestational age as well as the neonatal anthropometric measurements was registered except head Z Score. Multiple linear regression analysis for PlGF with UA PI and neonatal weight indicated that UAPI and neonatal weight were significant predictors for fetal PlGF. Conclusions: The current data illuminate the effect of fetal placental growth factor on neonatal adverse growth pattern. Additionally, fetal placental growth factor with fetal doppler parameters could be a promising predictive biomarkers to intervene neonates at risk for adverse childhood outcomes.