Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Early Detection of Drug-Induced Renal Hemodynamic Dysfunction Using Sonographic Technology in Rats
Published on: March 11, 2016
Down syndrome maternal serum screening in patients with renal disease
Alexandra Benachi1, Sophie Dreux, Sahar Kaddioui-Maalej
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the value of maternal serum Down syndrome screening in patients affected by renal disease.
Study Design:
A study group of 54 pregnant women with renal diseases defined before pregnancy, was compared with a control group of 108 patients matched for maternal age, maternal weight, smoking status, and gestational age. Maternal serum markers (free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG], total hCG, alpha-fetoprotein) expressed in multiple of median and maternal renal function markers (creatinine, beta2-microglobulin, alpha1-microglobulin) were assayed.
Results:
The percentage of patients in the Down syndrome at-risk group (>1:250) using free beta-hCG was significantly higher (P < .02) in the renal disease group (48%) than in the control group (12%). No significant difference was observed for total hCG (25% vs 15%).
Conclusion:
Down syndrome screening using free beta-hCG is not applicable in patients with renal disease whatever the maternal serum creatinine and can be used with caution when total hCG is used.
Related Concept Videos
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
