Elevated serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) level in women with hydatidiform mole

ObjectiveTo show soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) levels in sera from patients with hydatidiform mole, which is known to predispose women to severe early-onset preeclampsia.DesignComparative study.SettingUniversity hospital and surrounding community hospitals.Patient(s)Seven women with pathologically diagnosed complete hydatidiform mole (mole group), 21 gestational- and maternal-age–matched women who did not develop any pregnant complication during their pregnancy (control group), and eight women who subsequently developed preeclampsia (preclinical preeclampsia group).Intervention(s)Blood samples were taken before and after evacuations of hydatidiform mole.Main Outcome Measure(s)Concentrations of sFlt1 and free placental growth factor (PlGF) in serum were measured by ELISA.Result(s)Serum sFlt1 concentrations were significantly higher in the mole group compared with the control group and the preclinical preeclampsia group. In contrast, serum free PlGF concentrations were significantly lower in the mole group. In the mole group, there was a significant negative correlation between sFlt1 and PlGF serum concentrations. After the evacuation of hydatidiform mole, the level of serum sFlt1 decreased dramatically.Conclusion(s)Elevated levels of sFlt1 were noted in molar gestations and may play in a role in early-onset preeclampsia reported in such pregnancies.