Serum angiopoietin‑1 as a biomarker of missed miscarriage

Miscarriage is a prevalent issue that often occurs during pregnancy. Angiopoietin‑1 screening may serve as the first diagnostic test which can be used to promptly establish the presence of a nonviable fetus, even as early as 6‑8 weeks of gestation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of serum angiopoietin‑1 as a biomarker of missed miscarriage. The present cross‑sectional cohort study conducted between June, 2021 and June, 2022. The study included a total of 100 women who were equally divided between the case group, including those with missed miscarriages, and the control group, which consisted of females with matched for age and gestational age who had a living fetus. Serum angiopoietin‑1 levels were measured for all participants using the ELISA method. The results revealed that the mean angiopoietin‑1 level was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P<0.0001). At a cut‑off point of ≤1,085 pg/ml, angiopoietin‑1 was able to predict missed miscarriage with 88% sensitivity and 60% specificity. Regression analysis revealed that, of the laboratory tests, the single independent predictor of missed miscarriage was angiopoietin‑1. Cases of missed miscarriage had a 5.5‑fold [95% confidence interval, 2.89‑10.47] greater risk of having an angiopoietin‑1 level <1,085 pg/ml. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that angiopoietin‑1 may be a promising marker for the prediction of missed miscarriage at a level ≤1,085 pg/ml with a good sensitivity and specificity.