Biomarker Can Help Predict Preeclampsia Risk in Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Pregnant women with sickle cell disease face a significantly higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. A recent study published in Blood Advances has identified a biomarker that can help predict the risk of preeclampsia in this high-risk patient population. The study's lead author, Dr. Kinga Malinowski, found that measuring levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) can assess the risk of preeclampsia in women with sickle cell disease, with low PlGF levels indicating a higher risk of the complication.

Key Takeaways:

Pregnant women with sickle cell disease are 2.4 times more likely to develop preeclampsia compared to women without this condition.
Measuring PlGF levels can help predict the onset of preeclampsia in women with sickle cell disease, with low PlGF levels indicating a higher risk of the complication.
The study found that a PlGF threshold of 87 pg/mL at 20-24 weeks had 100% sensitivity and specificity for predicting early-onset preeclampsia in women with sickle cell disease.
Pregnant women with sickle cell disease are at a higher risk of maternal vascular malperfusion, or inadequate blood flow, which is the most common placental injury linked to preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
The study's findings suggest that pregnant women with sickle cell disease face a particularly high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal growth restriction.
Dr. Malinowski and her colleagues are currently conducting an international study to validate a risk assessment calculator for pregnant patients with sickle cell disease.
The American Society of Hematology is developing maternal health guidelines on sickle cell disease, with information expected in 2026.

Statistics:

2.4 times higher risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with sickle cell disease compared to women without this condition (Source: Blood Advances study).
100% sensitivity and specificity for predicting early-onset preeclampsia in women with sickle cell disease using a PlGF threshold of 87 pg/mL at 20-24 weeks (Source: Blood Advances study).
55 pg/mL, 448 pg/mL, and 322 pg/mL median PlGF levels for early-onset preeclampsia, late-onset preeclampsia, and no preeclampsia, respectively, in the control group (Source: Blood Advances study).

Sources:

Blood Advances (bloodadvances.org)
American Society of Hematology (hematology.org)
Pregnancy and prenatal care for women with sickle cell disease fact sheet (https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/communication-resources/women-with-sickle-cell-disease-and-prenatal-care.html)
Original text: https://www.hematology.org/newsroom/press-releases/2025/biomarker-can-help-predict-preeclampsia-risk-in-women-with-sickle-cell-disease