Abstracts and posters presented by the Saskatchewan Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Group at national and international conferences, grouped by event.
ACOG, 2026
Linking Maternal Hemoglobin A1C and Placental Growth Factor in Pregnancies With Elevated Diabetes Prevalence [ID 1313]
- Elevated Hb A1C in late pregnancy is significantly linked to reduced PlGF levels, suggesting that suboptimal glycemic control during the third trimester is associated with placental dysfunction.
Targeted Use of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Pregnancies With Low Placental Growth Factor: Associations With Fetal Growth and Placental Pathology [ID 1211]
- In pregnancies identified as low PlGF, prophylactic off-label use of LMWH was associated with improved fetal growth and reduced SGA rates. Placental findings support a potential role in halting disease progression. Biomarker-guided prospective trials are warranted.
FIGO, 2025
Rural-urban analysis of perinatal outcomes in a Western Canadian province [P01.508]
- Our preliminary results indicate that PlGF testing could improve clinical decision-making and perinatal outcomes of high-risk pregnant people in Saskatchewan. Further analysis and data collection are ongoing
ISUOG, 2025
Abnormal fetal Doppler assessment associated with low placental growth factor in high-risk pregnancies [OC10.07]
- Low PlGF is associated with abnormal Doppler velocimetry and normal PlGF is highly predictive of normal Dopplers. This has significant implications for the stratification of high-risk pregnancies and prognostication in pre-eclampsia and FGR.
Maternal placental growth factor levels associated with placental imaging and pathology in a setting with a high prevalence of diabetes [OP05.07]
- In our highly diabetic population, PLGF levels have shown significant predictive value, primarily in excluding abnormal placentation when in the normal range. This further showcases the utility of PlGF in screening for high-risk pregnancies.
Low molecular weight heparin prevents pre-eclampsia in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction [EP08.34]
- Preliminary results suggest a possible protective effect of LMWH for preventing pre-eclampsia in patients with low PlGF levels, irrespective of fetal growth status. LMWH can potentially enhance placental function, thereby improving perinatal outcomes. Additional studies are required to investigate the impact of LMWH on PlGF levels and their association with other perinatal complications.
Real-time placental growth factor in managing high-risk pregnancies: preliminary results comparing compromised and normal fetal growth [EP08.63]
- This study demonstrated the usefulness of real-time PlGF for the management of pregnancies at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.
Low molecular weight heparin on preterm birth and pre-eclampsia in patients with fetal growth restriction and placental dysfunction [EP08.68]
- Preliminary results identified the potential protective effect of LMWH for the development of PET and the occurrence of PTB < 37w, in patients with low PlGF levels, and FGR < 10%. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment circulating maternal PlGF levels, improving perinatal outcomes.
Association of low levels of placental growth factor and fetal growth restriction in a setting with a high prevalence of diabetes [EP08.68]
- Our data suggests that low PlGF levels are associated with FGR < 10% with an NPV of 83.7%. As a simple lab test, this could enable the identification of high-risk pregnancies earlier, as well as in rural and remote communities.
22nd World Congress in Fetal Medicine, 2025
Fetal Macrosomia associated with Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) levels and Perinatal Outcomes: Preliminary Retrospective Data
- Although maternal PLGF levels were not significantly associated with fetal macrosomia in this initial cohort, this study highlights strong associations between fetal macrosomia and adverse perinatal outcomes. Macrosomic fetuses were associated with maternal diabetes, maternal elevated BMI and increased risk of birthweight above the 90th percentile with NICU admission. Further research is warranted to determine the utility of maternal analytes, such as PlGF, as a predictive biomarker for fetal macrosomia.
Implementation of Real-Time Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in a Tertiary Canadian Centre: Association with Ultrasound findings and Perinatal Outcomes
- Low maternal PlGF levels are strongly associated with abnormal ultrasound findings and adverse perinatal outcomes. Real-time PlGF testing provides a valuable tool for risk stratification and management of pregnancies at risk for placental dysfunction.
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) levels and Maternal Antenatal Glycemic Control (HbA1c levels) in a population with high prevalence of Diabetes
- The results showed that uncontrolled diabetes (elevated Hb1Ac level), particularly later in pregnancy, is associated with placental dysfunction, characterized by low PlGF levels.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) effect in pregnant patients with Low Placental Growth Factor (PlGF): preliminary results in a setting with high prevalence of diabetes
- These preliminary results identified the potential beneficial effect of LMWH in patients with low PlGF in a setting with high prevalence of diabetes. Diabetic patients with low PlGF on LMWH had better glucose control, more normal grown fetuses, better uterine arteries flow and normal placental imaging along with more term deliveries than patients with low PlGF levels not on LMWH. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment circulating maternal PlGF levels, improving perinatal outcomes. More studies are needed to further investigate possible benefits of LMWH among pregnant people with low PlGF for preventing pre-eclampsia.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) in pregnancies with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Normal Fetal Growth (NFG) with suspected placental dysfunction
- These preliminary results identified the potential protective effect of LMWH for the development of PET in patients with low PlGF levels, regardless of fetal growth status. The risk of imminent preeclampsia, preterm birth, and IUFD may warrant referral of patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment placental function, improving perinatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to explore the effect of LMWH on PlGF levels associated with other perinatal complications.
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) for the management of high-risk pregnancies: Comparative results between fetuses with Compromised Growth and Normal Growth
- This study demonstrated the usefulness of real-time PlGF for the management of pregnancies at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk of imminent preterm birth, preeclampsia and IUFD may warrant referral of high-risk patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers. PlGF testing has the potential to overcome some of the real challenges healthcare systems in Canada face in providing effective obstetrical care to pregnant people in remote or low-income settings.
Effect of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) in patients with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
- These preliminary results identified the potential protective effect of LMWH for the development of PET and the occurrence of PTB < 37w, in patients with low PlGF levels, and FGR < 10%. The risk of imminent preterm birth, preeclampsia and IUFD may warrant referral of patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers, where LMWH may be offered. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment circulating maternal PlGF levels, improving perinatal outcomes. Further studies could explore the potential benefits in other pregnant populations.
Perinatal Outcomes associated with Maternal Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) collected from 12w to 20w6d
- Prenatal measurement of PlGF levels between 12w-20w6d of gestation may also help predict the development of PET and PTB < 37w in a diabetic-prone population. Further research is required to investigate the relationship between PlGF levels and birthweight. Incorporating PlGF screening into early pregnancy evaluations could improve the ability to anticipate adverse pregnancy outcomes.
ACOG, 2025
Perinatal Outcomes of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Defined by Delphi Criteria and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF): Preliminary Retrospective Data [ID 1303]
- Low PlGF levels were associated with diagnosis of FGR/SGA (Delphi criteria). Early/late-onset FGR were associated with low PLGF levels, abnormal placental morphology, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, admission to NICU, and confirmed fetal/maternal vascular malperfusion. Late-onset SGA was associated with preeclampsia, IUFD, and cesarean birth.
Canadian National Perinatal Research Meeting, 2025
Maternal Antenatal Glycemic Control (HbA1c levels) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) levels in a high-risk pregnancy population
- The results showed that uncontrolled diabetes (elevated Hb1Ac level), particularly later in pregnancy, is associated with placental dysfunction, characterized by low PlGF levels.
Real-time Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) for the management of high-risk pregnancies: preliminary comparative results between fetuses with compromised and normal growth
- This study demonstrated the usefulness of real-time PlGF for the management of pregnancies at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk of imminent preterm birth, preeclampsia and IUFD may warrant referral of high-risk patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers. PlGF testing has the potential to overcome some of the real challenges healthcare systems in Canada face in providing effective obstetrical care to pregnant people in remote or low-income settings.
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Assessment between 12w-20w6d and associated Perinatal Outcomes
- Prenatal measurement of PlGF levels between 12w-20w6d of gestation may also help predict the development of PET and PTB < 37w in a diabetic-prone population. Further research is required to investigate the relationship between PlGF levels and birthweight. Incorporating PlGF screening into early pregnancy evaluations could improve the ability to anticipate adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Usefulness of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) in preventing preeclampsia (PET) in pregnancies with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR < 3%) and Normal Fetal Growth (EFW 11-90%) with suspected placental dysfunction: preliminary results
- These preliminary results identified the potential protective effect of LMWH for the development of PET in patients with low PlGF levels, regardless of fetal growth status. The risk of imminent preeclampsia, preterm birth, and IUFD may warrant referral of patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment placental function, improving perinatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to explore the effect of LMWH on PlGF levels associated with other perinatal complications.
Protective effect of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) for preterm birth (PTB < 37w) and preeclampsia (PET) in patients with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR < 10%) with suspected placental dysfunction: preliminary results
- These preliminary results identified the potential protective effect of LMWH for the development of PET and the occurrence of PTB < 37w, in patients with low PlGF levels, and FGR < 10%. The risk of imminent preterm birth, preeclampsia and IUFD may warrant referral of patients with low PlGF levels to higher-level centers, where LMWH may be offered. The use of LMWH in these patients has the potential to augment circulating maternal PlGF levels, improving perinatal outcomes, in pregnant people from remote or low-income settings.
PlGF National Consortium Meeting, 2024
Experiences integrating PlGF testing in Saskatchewan and plans to expand PLGF access to rural/remote/Indigenous communities
- Dr. Figueiro discussed the implementation and expansion of PlGF testing in Saskatchewan. PlGF testing helped identify high-risk pregnancies with 95% negative predictive value for preterm birth and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction.
Canadian National Perinatal Research Meeting, 2024
Insights into Gestational-Age Stratified Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) Levels: A Study on Placental Imaging and Pathology in a Diabetes-Prone Population
- Karolina Grzyb presented orally the initial findings of serum PlGF levels stratified by gestational age serving as a predictor of normal placental imaging and pathology.
21st World Congress in Fetal Medicine, 2024
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) stratified maternal serum levels: a novel approach to predict Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) in a setting with high prevalence of Diabetes
- Preliminary data suggest that gestational age-stratified maternal serum PLGF levels have ahigh NPV value for developing FGR < 10%ile. Implementing this simple lab test in rural and remote communities would allow for earlier identification of pregnancies requiring more intensive surveillance at a high-risk centre of care
Association of maternal Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) levels with placental imaging and pathology: Insights from a pregnancy population with elevated Diabetes prevalence
- While further investigation is necessary to assess potential confounders, preliminary data suggests that, in a population with a high prevalence of diabetes, normal PLGF levels stratified by gestational age, can predict normal placental imaging and pathology. In resource-limited communities, implementation of maternal serum PLGF testing can allow for earlier identification of high-risk pregnancies with low levels of PLGF
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) levels associated with Fetal Dopplers in a setting with high prevalence of Diabetes
- The results show that normal PlGF is highly associated with normal Dopplers. Additional data will be required to account for confounding factors; however, our preliminary data suggest that PlGF could be a useful tool for patients in rural and remote locations, as normal PlGF has a statistically and clinically significant negative predictive value for normal Doppler assessment
Association of Perinatal Outcomes and Gestational-Age Stratified Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in a setting with High Prevalence of Diabetes
- In a high-risk population characterized by an increased prevalence of diabetes, initial findings from a study involving 130 patients indicate that low PLGF values were linked to the development of preeclampsia, FGR, PTB, and low birth weight. Notably, we observed an unexpected association between low PLGF levels and macrosomia. While PLGF may prove to be a valuable tool for managing high-risk pregnancies, additional research is needed to evaluate alterations in PLGF expression more comprehensively in pregnant patients with diabetes
SOGC’s 80th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference (ACSC)
Associating Maternal Placental Growth Factor Levels with Placental Imaging and Pathology: Insights from a High-Diabetes Prevalence Population
- While further investigation is necessary to assess potential confounders, preliminary data suggests that, in a population with high prevalence of diabetes, normal PLGF levels stratified by gestational age can predict normal placental imaging and pathology. In resource-limited communities, implementation of maternal serum PLGF testing, can allow for earlier identification of high-risk pregnancies with low levels of PLGF.
Maternal Placental Growth Factor Levels Associated with Perinatal Outcomes in a High-Diabetes Prevalence Setting: A Retrospective Analysis
- Preliminary findings from this study indicate that normal maternal PLGF levels stratified by gestational age are significantly associated with favourable perinatal outcomes, including normal fetal growth, term deliveries, and the absence of preeclampsia. Low PLGF levels anticipate the clinical onset of preeclampsia, FGR and PTB. These early insights demonstrate the potential clinical utility of PLGF testing in managing high-risk pregnancies
ACOG, 2024
Association of Low Levels of Placental Growth Factor and Fetal Growth Restriction in a Setting With a High Prevalence of Diabetes [ID 2683431]
- Data collection is ongoing; however, in our patient population with a high prevalence of diabetes, preliminary data from 114 patients suggest that gestational age-stratified maternal serum PlGF levels have high NPV value for development of FGR less than 10th percentile. The implementation of this simple laboratory test in rural and remote communities would allow for earlier identification of pregnancies that require more intensive surveillance at a high-risk center of care.
Association of Low Levels of Placental Growth Factor With Abnormal Fetal Doppler Assessment [ID 2683423]
- The results show that normal PlGF is highly associated with normal Dopplers. Additional data will be required to account for confounding factors; however, our preliminary data suggest that PlGF could be a useful tool for patients in rural and remote locations, as normal PlGF has a statistically and clinically significant negative predictive value for normal Doppler assessment.