What we looked at and why | Right Decisions

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Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG)
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Placental growth factor (PlGF)-based testing to help diagnose suspected preterm pre-eclampsia
What we looked at and why

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Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

SHTG recommendation

SHTG was asked by the Scottish Government Maternal and Infant Health Policy team to adapt for NHSScotland the guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), to inform a Scotland-specific approach to the use of PlGF-based testing.

What were we asked to look at

Diagnostics Guidance published by NICE in 2022 recommends four placental growth factor (PlGF)-based tests, intended for use alongside standard clinical assessment, to help decide on care for people with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia. SHTG was asked to adapt the NICE guidance for NHSScotland, to inform a Scotland-specific approach to the use of PlGF-based testing.

Why is this important

Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious complication in pregnancy, affecting up to 6% of pregnancies in the UK. Severe pre-eclampsia develops in around 1–2% of UK pregnancies. Approximately 10% of pregnant people will require further assessment and/or monitoring for suspected pre-eclampsia. In 2021, there were 52,584 pregnancies booked for maternity care in NHSScotland. Based on this, an estimated 5,260 pregnant people per year will present with suspected pre-eclampsia in Scotland.