Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly pre-eclampsia (PE), complicate around 8% of pregnancies worldwide, and account for about 500 000 perinatal deaths annually. In the South African context, hypertensive disorders are the third leading cause of maternal mortality, according to the Saving Mothers Annual Report of 2023.
Pre-eclampsia is associated with severe adverse pregnancy outcomes if not properly managed, including pre-term delivery, foetal growth restriction and maternal complications (increased stroke risk, ischaemic heart disease and a lifetime risk of chronic hypertension).
The use of the sFlt / PLGF Ratio