Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Low pregnancy associated plasma protein-A in the 1st trimester: is it a predictor of poor perinatal outcome?
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK.
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to examine the predictive value of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) as a marker of poor pregnancy outcome. Databases at the University Hospital Lewisham, were used retrospectively to identify singleton pregnancies, which underwent 1st trimester combined screening between July 2008 and April 2010 and were found to have PAPP-A levels ≤ 0.4 MoM. The perinatal courses of these pregnancies (n = 315) were evaluated for signs of adverse perinatal outcome and compared with a matched control group of pregnancies (n = 330) with normal PAPP-A levels. Results showed that women with low serum PAPP-A were at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with the control group (OR 2.4, p = 000.1). They were also more likely to suffer fetal loss (OR 6.2, p = 0.001) in the form of miscarriage (OR 2.7, p = 0.110) and stillbirth (OR 2.4, p = 0.001). It was concluded that serum PAPP-A is a marker for poor pregnancy outcome and women with low serum PAPP-A levels would benefit from increased monitoring of their pregnancies.
Related Concept Videos
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Teratogenicity
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Drug Distribution: Plasma Protein Binding
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

