Objective: It has been suggested that the underlying pathology in preeclampsia is inadequate trophoblastic invasion, abnormal placentation and extensive endothelial damage. The aim of this study was to compare soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PGF) levels and sFlt-1/PGF ratio between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, and to determine the increase in sFlt-1, which is an important antiangiogenic factor in the development of preeclampsia.

Methods: Following local ethics committee approval, this prospective study was carried out with 43 pregnant women, including 20 preeclamptic and 23 normotensive pregnancies, who were admitted to our clinic. The two groups were compared in terms of gestational characteristics, sFlt-1 levels, PGF levels and sFlt-1/PGF ratio.

Results: Serum sFlt-1 levels and sFlt-1/PGF ratio were higher and serum PGF levels were lower in preeclamptic women compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The sFlt-1/PGF ratio was significantly higher in preeclamptic pregnant women than in normotensive pregnant women. This higher ratio suggests that sFlt-1 has a role in the development of hypoxia and inadequate angiogenesis in preeclamptic pregnancies.