Elevated sFlt-1/PlGF was observed in most early-onset FGR pregnancies from 4 weeks before delivery, and values were even higher if there was concurrent PE. However, serial measurements of the ratio were of limited value, being useful only to anticipate the need for imminent delivery in cases of FGR with PE when sFlt-1/PlGF values ≥ 655 were reached. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

What are the novel findings of this work? In pregnancies with early-onset fetal growth restriction and antegrade umbilical artery flow, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio at diagnosis is associated with the time interval to delivery. What are the clinical implications of this work? Determination of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in pregnancies with early-onset fetal growth restriction and antegrade umbilical artery flow may be helpful in planning surveillance, corticosteroid administration and outpatient vs inpatient management.

Objective To analyze the ability to predict perinatal survival and severe neonatal morbidity of cases with early‐onset fetal growth restriction (eoFGR) using maternal variables, ultrasound parameters and angiogenic markers at the time of diagnosis. Methods This was a prospective observational study in a cohort of singleton pregnancies with a diagnosis of eoFGR (< 32 weeks of gestation). At diagnosis of eoFGR, complete assessment was performed, including ultrasound examination (anatomy, biometry and Doppler assessment) and maternal serum measurement of the angiogenic biomarkers, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). Logistic regression models for the prediction of perinatal survival (in cases diagnosed at < 28 weeks) and severe neonatal morbidity (in all liveborn cases) were calculated. Results In total, 210 eoFGR cases were included, of which 185 (88.1%) survived perinatally. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 27 + 0 weeks. All cases diagnosed at ≥ 28 weeks survived. In cases diagnosed < 28 weeks, survivors (vs non‐survivors) had a higher gestational age (26.1 vs 24.4 weeks), estimated fetal weight (EFW; 626 vs 384 g), cerebroplacental ratio (1.1 vs 0.9), PlGF (41 vs 18 pg/mL) and PlGF multiples of the median (MoM; 0.10 vs 0.06) and lower sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio (129 vs 479) at the time of diagnosis (all P < 0.001). The best combination of two variables for predicting perinatal survival was provided by EFW and PlGF MoM (area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.92)). These were also the best variables for predicting severe neonatal morbidity (AUC, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66–0.80)). Conclusions A model combining EFW and maternal serum PlGF predicts accurately perinatal survival in eoFGR cases diagnosed before 28 weeks of gestation. Prenatal prediction of severe neonatal morbidity in eoFGR cases is modest regardless of the model used. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.