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Published on: June 29, 2013

First-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and subsequent abnormalities of fetal growth

Suzanne E Peterson1, Hyagriv N Simhan

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

First-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels correlate with birthweight. Low PAPP-A is linked to an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age infants, while high levels are associated with macrosomia.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Reproductive Endocrinology

Background:

  • Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a key placental protein.
  • Understanding PAPP-A's role in fetal growth is crucial for prenatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between first-trimester PAPP-A levels and birthweight.
  • To examine this association across the full spectrum of birthweights, including extremes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 1371 women undergoing first-trimester screening.
  • Analysis of PAPP-A levels in relation to infant birthweight outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A positive correlation was observed between first-trimester PAPP-A levels and birthweight.
  • Decreasing PAPP-A levels significantly increased the odds of delivering small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants.
  • Elevated PAPP-A levels (>90th percentile) were associated with an increased odds of macrosomia (>4500g).

Conclusions:

  • First-trimester PAPP-A serves as a marker for placental function and correlates with birthweight.
  • The strong link between low PAPP-A and SGA suggests potential as a screening tool for adverse birth outcomes.
Abstract

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