Low pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and serum urotensin-II in 11-14 weeks gestation: case-control study

This case-control study aims to investigate the relationship between low pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and serum urotensin-II concentrations between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy.

This study was conducted between October 2024 and October 2025 at the perinatology outpatient clinic of a Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. A total of 84 women were consecutively included and divided into case and control groups based on pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A results. Written consent and a descriptive form were obtained. Combined screening tests were performed, and blood samples were collected for urotensin-II measurement.

No significant difference was observed between the case and control groups in terms of urotensin-II concentration. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II concentrations. Each 1 mIU/mL increase in pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A concentration was associated with an approximate 36.45 ng/mL increase in urotensin-II concentration.

In this study, no significant association was demonstrated between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II levels in case and control groups; however, a correlation was identified between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II concentrations.