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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

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Published on: June 29, 2013
Serum Beta-2-microglobulin levels in intrauterine growth-restricted and normal pregnancies
Louiza Kontara1, Despina D Briana, Stavroula Baka
12nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neonatal Division, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Objective:
It was the aim of this study to investigate circulating levels of beta(2)-microglobulin (a marker of renal function) in mothers and fetuses/neonates from intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR, characterized by impaired nephrogenesis) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies.
Methods:
Serum beta(2)-microglobulin levels were determined in 40 parturients and their 20 IUGR and 20 AGA fetuses/neonates on postnatal days 1 (N1) and 4 (N4). Comparatively, creatinine concentrations were measured.
Results:
No significant differences in beta(2)-microglobulin levels were observed between the 2 groups. In both groups, maternal serum beta(2)-microglobulin levels were significantly lower than fetal, N1 and N4 levels (in all cases p < 0.001 in the AGA group and p
Conclusions:
Serum beta(2)-microglobulin levels do not differ between IUGR and AGA groups, significantly increase after birth and are not associated with gender or gestational age. Furthermore, maternal levels do not correlate with fetal levels, implying the presence of a placental barrier.
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