Pigment epithelium-derived factor/vascular endothelial growth factor ratio for early prediction of preeclampsia: A prospective multicenter study in China.

Background: Imbalance of circulating factors related to angiogenesis plays a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE).

Objective: The aim of this study was to discover and validate a cutoff value of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ratio for early prediction of PE before 20 weeks of gestation.

Study Design: This prospective multicenter study was performed in mainland China, and was divided into 3 phases to discover, develop, and validate a cutoff value of PEDF/VEGF ratio that could predict PE prior to diagnosis in pregnant women at high risk of PE (12 weeks 0 days to 19 weeks 6 days of gestation).