We are examining the potential of a blood test called “Placental Growth Factor” – or PlGF in short – to reduce the need for unnecessary patient relocation and neonatal transfers in BC. We expect to include 80-200 participants from sites across BC.
Background
The scientific literature suggests that PlGF has the potential to help determine if patients with risks of placental problems should relocate to receive specialized care, but we don’t yet have all the evidence we need to incorporate this blood test in clinical care in BC.
In this study, we aim to: 1) estimate how often pregnant patients or newborn babies require transfer to a different hospital or have to relocate for specialized care in BC, 2) estimate how well the PlGF test can predict if a pregnant patient will need to give birth at a hospital with specialized medical care for newborns, and 3) determine if it is possible to obtain PlGF test results. Aim 1 will be achieved using routinely collected data. Aims 2 and 3 will be achieved by recruiting participants from the community.
Interested in participating?
In this study, we are seeking your participation to achieve the following aims:
- Determine if it is possible to obtain PlGF test results, and
- Estimate how well the PlGF test can predict if a pregnant patient will need to give birth at a hospital with specialized medical care for newborns.
Who can participate?
You may be able to participate in this study if:
- You have been referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) clinic or ultrasound in BC for a placental assessment
- You are above the age of 19
Who should NOT participate?
You will not be eligible to participate in this study if:
- You and/or your baby have health concerns aside from the placenta that are the main reason you need care from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists (e.g. maternal heart issues or a fetal difference that requires specialized care after birth).
- You have preeclampsia (e.g. you have new high blood pressure and protein in your urine during pregnancy).
- You were already included in this study within this same pregnancy
- You are pregnant with multiples (e.g. twins)
What does the study involve?
Participants will be asked to visit one of our participating laboratories to collect a small blood sample (3mL; half a teaspoon) for the analysis of PlGF, and its related biomarker called soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). If you choose to participate, you can get the study sample collected at the same time as samples collected for your clinical care, if it is within a week of your MFM clinical visit.
You can choose to go to your referred hospital laboratory or to any LifeLabs near you. The study visit should only take approximately 30 minutes.