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Chorionic thickness and PlGF concentrations as early predictors of small-for-gestational age birth weight in a low
Anna Gąsiorowska1, Marek Pietryga, Agnieszka Zawiejska
1Gynaecology and Obstetrics Ward, Podhalanski Specialist Hospital in Nowy Targ, Poland. lepricorn@interia.pl.
Insights
Screening for small for gestational age (SGA) infants using chorionic thickness and placental growth factor (PlGF) in early pregnancy can predict birth weight. Increased chorionic thickness correlates with higher birth weight, while PlGF shows an inverse relationship.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Prenatal Diagnostics
- Biomarkers in Pregnancy
Background:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) is linked to adverse postnatal outcomes, including neurodevelopmental issues and cardiovascular risks.
- Early screening at 11-13 weeks gestation can mitigate these complications.
- Identifying predictors of fetal growth is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chorionic thickness, placental growth factor (PlGF) levels, and fetal birth weight in low-risk pregnancies.
- To assess the predictive value of early pregnancy ultrasound and biochemical markers for fetal growth.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of chorionic thickness in 76 pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation.
- Assay of PlGF, PAPP-A, and hCG levels from maternal venous blood.
- Correlation analysis between ultrasound findings, biochemical markers, and neonatal birth weight.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r=0.37) was observed between fetal weight and chorionic thickness.
- PlGF levels showed a significant negative correlation with fetal weight, FHR, and neonatal size.
- Maternal BMI did not influence neonatal outcomes or the measured prenatal parameters.
Conclusions:
- Chorionic thickness and PlGF levels measured in early pregnancy are associated with fetal birth weight.
- Increasing chorionic thickness predicts higher birth weight, while higher PlGF levels are linked to lower birth weight.
- The location of the chorion, particularly posterior, influences the correlation between PlGF and fetal weight.
Objectives:
SGA is associated with higher incidence of postnatal complications, including suboptimal neurodevelopment and increased cardiovascular risk. Screening for SGA, carried out at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks enables to reduce or completely eliminate the above mentioned complications. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between chorionic thickness, concentration of PIGF protein and foetal birth weight in a single low-risk pregnancy.
Material And Methods:
The study included 76 patients at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, monitored throughout preg-nancy. Ultrasound examinations identified the location and thickness of the chorion by measuring it in its central part at its widest point in a sagittal section. Additionally, at each visit venous blood was collected to determine the level of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG.
Results:
A significant positive correlation (r = 0.37) was found between the foetal weight and chorionic thickness. This correlation was affected by the location of the chorion and a significant negative correlation was observed between the level of PLGF, FHR, weight and length of the newborn. Maternal early-pregnancy BMI did not affect neonatal weight and body length, FHR, chorionic thickness, and the levels of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG.
Conclusions:
The preliminary analysis indicates an association between chorionic thickness assessed during ultrasound at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, PIGF levels assayed at the same time and birth weight. Increasing chorion thickness was accompanied by increasing foetal birth weight. PlGF level showed an inversely proportional effect on the foetal weight. This correlation was significant for the posterior location of the chorion.
