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Published on: June 29, 2013
Biochemical markers in screening for preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Insights
Low levels of placental growth factor (PIGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) indicate a higher risk for preeclampsia. These biomarkers are crucial for assessing pregnancy complications and ensuring fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) are significant complications of pregnancy.
- Early detection of PE and IUGR is critical for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Placental growth factor (PIGF), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) are key placental-derived biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal serum concentrations of PAPP-A, PIGF, and beta-hCG in early pregnancy.
- To determine the predictive value of these biomarkers for the risk of developing early and late preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 180 pregnant women between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks gestation.
- Maternal history and serum concentrations of PAPP-A, PIGF, and beta-hCG were analyzed.
- Concentrations were expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) and analyzed for their association with PE and IUGR outcomes.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower MoM values for PAPP-A were observed in women with early PE (0.67) and late PE (0.74) compared to controls (1.01).
- PIGF MoM values were also lower in early PE (0.62) and late PE (0.92) groups versus controls (1.21).
- Beta-hCG MoM values showed no significant difference between PE groups and controls, suggesting PAPP-A and PIGF are more indicative biomarkers for preeclampsia risk.
Conclusions:
- Decreased levels of PAPP-A and PIGF in early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.
- These biomarkers demonstrate potential for early screening and risk assessment of preeclampsia and its complications.
- Further research can refine the use of PAPP-A and PIGF in clinical practice for improved pregnancy monitoring.
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the concentrations of substances released by the placenta: placental growth factor (PIGF), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and the risk of early and late preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).
Material And Methods:
A total of 180 pregnant women between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks gestation were recruited for a case-control study Twenty-two patients suffered from early PE, 29 patients from late PE. Data analyzed during the study included maternal histoty and concentrations of PAPP-A, PlGF beta-hCG.
Results:
The multiple of the median (MoM) value of the PAPP-A concentrations was 1.01 in the control group (interquartile range (1QR), 0.65-1.55), 0.67 (1QR, 0.382-0.82) in the group of patients with early preeclampsia and 0.74 (IQ, 0.33-1.09) in the group of patients suffering from late preeclampsia. MoM value of the PIGF concentrations was 1.21 in the control group (IQR, 0.93-1.57), 0.62 (IQR, 0.51-0.96) in the group of patients with early preeclampsia and 0.92 (lQR, 0.63-1.09) in the group of patients suffering from late preeclampsia. MoM value of beta-hCG concentrations was 1.14 in the control group (IQR, 0.75-1.49), 1.08(IQR, 0.74-1.23) in the group of patients with early preeclampsia and 1,25(IQR, 1,05-1,49) in the group of patients suffering from late preeclampsia. The performance of screening was determined by the areas under the curve and detection rates, with a fixed false-positive rate of 10%.
Conclusions:
Decreased levels of PAPP-A and PIGF are related to an increased risk of preeclampsia and its complications.
