Cohort Study on the Levels of Placental Growth Factor and Nucleosomes in Early Pregnancy and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexFemale
Age18-40
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University

About this trial

Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between maternal serum placental growth factor (PLGF) and nucleosome levels in early pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to evaluate their predictive value for the occurrence of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.

Method: This observational prospective cohort study enrolls pregnant women who undergo non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at 12-14 weeks of gestation and deliver at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between June 2026 and July 2027. Maternal peripheral blood samples are collected for NIPT analysis, and plasma nucleosome concentrations and PLGF levels are measured. Participants are categorized into four groups based on the 95th percentile (P95) of nucleosome and PLGF levels established from a healthy pregnant population at the same center during the same period: (1) both normal, (2) elevated nucleosome only, (3) elevated PLGF only, and (4) both elevated. Maternal demographic characteristics, laboratory indicators, and pregnancy outcomes are collected and compared across groups. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, recurrent miscarriage, and neonatal complications, is recorded. The relationship between nucleosome and PLGF levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes is analyzed to explore their potential as early predictive biomarkers for placental dysfunction-related complications.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Pregnant women with singleton pregnancy;

Undergo non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at 12-14 weeks of gestation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University;

Plan to deliver at the same hospital;

Have complete clinical data and provide written informed consent.

Disqualifiers

Age ≥40 years or <18 years, BMI ≥30 or <18.5, multiple pregnancy, or history of adverse pregnancy outcomes;

Diagnosed autoimmune diseases, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease;

Infection or fever during pregnancy;

History of smoking or alcohol abuse, recent surgery or trauma, or use of glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants;

Trial population

pregnant women

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Measurement of plasma nucleosome and placental growth factor (PLGF) levels

    Other intervention

    Maternal peripheral blood samples are collected at 12-14 weeks of gestation during routine non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Plasma nucleosome concentrations and PLGF levels are measured to evaluate their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Treatment groups

900 Participants
are divided into 4 treatment groups
Group A: Normal nucleosome and PLGF group1 intervention
Group B: Nucleosome-elevated only group1 intervention
Group C: PLGF-elevated only group1 intervention
Group D: Nucleosome and PLGF elevated group1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Composite adverse pregnancy outcomes

Incidence of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth, stillbirth, or spontaneous abortion. The occurrence of any one of these events is defined as the composite adverse pregnancy outcome.

Time frame
From enrollment (12-14 weeks of gestation) to delivery (up to 40 weeks of gestation).

Secondary outcomes

1

Preeclampsia

Incidence of preeclampsia, defined as new-onset hypertension (blood pressure \>= 140/90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of gestation accompanied by proteinuria or maternal organ dysfunction.

Time frame
From 20 weeks of gestation to delivery (up to 40 weeks of gestation).
2

Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

Incidence of fetal growth restriction, defined as an estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile for gestational age, confirmed by postnatal birth weight.

Time frame
From 20 weeks of gestation to delivery.
3

Preterm Birth

Incidence of preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation.

Time frame
From 20 weeks of gestation to delivery.
4

Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage)

Incidence of spontaneous abortion, defined as natural pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation. (Note: Induced abortion is excluded).

Time frame
From enrollment (12-14 weeks of gestation) to 20 weeks of gestation.

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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