ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study is to compare the circulating placental growth factor [PlGF] concentration in women with and without endometrioma to verify the performance of this marker to diagnose the disease
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, thirteen women with histological diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis were compared with women without endometriosis disease. PlGF plasma levels of endometriotic patients and controls were investigated using a fluorescence immunoassay technique
Results: PlGF showed a direct correlation with body mass index [BMI] only in the control group [P=0.013]. After adjustment for BMI values, PlGF median value in endometriosis group [14.7 pg/mL] resulted higher than in control group [13.8 pg/ mL, P=0.004]
Conclusion: PlGF is a promising peripheral blood marker that can discriminate between patients with and without ovarian endometriosis