Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) as a Predictor of Third Trimester Obesity: Insights from the CRIOBES

Inmaculada Gabaldón-Rodríguez1, Carmen de Francisco-Montero1, Inmaculada Menéndez-Moreno1

  • 1Andalusian Health Service, Primary Care Seville District, 41004 Seville, Spain.

Insights

This study developed a predictive model for third-trimester obesity using pregnancy biomarkers. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) show predictive value for obesity risk.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity in pregnancy poses risks to both mother and child.
  • Predictive models for gestational obesity can aid early intervention.
  • Biomarkers managed within routine antenatal care offer potential for predictive modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a predictive model for third-trimester obesity.
  • To utilize plasma and clinical biomarkers from the Chromosomopathies Programme.
  • To apply these biomarkers within the Andalusian Public Healthcare System.

Main Methods:

  • Observational, unmatched case-control study design.
  • Data collected from 2011-2021 in Seville Primary Healthcare District.
  • Binary logistic regression models used to identify predictors of third-trimester obesity.

Main Results:

  • 104 cases and 423 controls identified for third-trimester obesity.
  • The final model included PAPP-A, beta-hCG, and systolic blood pressure (SBP).
  • The model achieved an ROC curve of 0.75, indicating moderate predictive accuracy.

Conclusions:

  • PAPP-A is a significant predictor of third-trimester obesity risk in uncomplicated pregnancies.
  • Beta-hCG and 12-week SBP enhance the predictive capacity of the model.
  • The developed model is applicable to primary care settings for uncomplicated pregnancies.