The preeclampsia biomarkers soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor: current knowledge, clinical implications and future application

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently there is no single reliable parameter for the diagnosis of preeclampsia and attention has turned towards identifying non-invasive testing methods, including Doppler sonography and blood-borne or urinary biomarkers in women who go on to develop preeclampsia. Biomarkers of angiogenesis are currently at the most advanced state of development for the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In this article we will highlight the diagnostic potential of the novel biomarkers soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor and discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing these preeclampsia biomarkers from bench to bedside.