Angiogenic factors: potential to change clinical practice in pre‐eclampsia?

Pre‐eclampsia is a complex disease with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Its syndromic nature makes diagnosis and management difficult. The field is rapidly evolving with the definition of pre‐eclampsia being challenged by some organisations, with proteinuria no longer being essential in the presence of other features. In the last decade, angiogenic factors, in particular soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1), have emerged as important molecules in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Here we review the most recent evidence regarding the potential of these factors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pre‐eclampsia. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A review of angiogenic factors, sFlt‐1 and PlGF, in the diagnosis, prediction and management of pre‐eclampsia.