Publication:

Effect of first trimester maternal serum pregnancy associated plasma protein: a level on fetomaternal outcome

Background Serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels fluctuate in continuation with the pregnancy and thus become an important standalone marker in monitoring the adverse outcomes that may occur in pregnancy.

Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology. A total of 240 pregnant women in their first trimester were included in the study. Serum PAPP-A levels were measured at 11-13+6week of gestation and were evaluated with respect to the feto-maternal outcome. The data was entered in MS excel spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0.

Results The mean age of the study population was 27 years. Among the maternal pregnancy parameters, PIH, pre-term labor and Emergency LSCS were significantly associated with low (<0.5 MoM) Serum PAPP-A levels, P<0.05. All the fetal outcome measures: IUGR, IUD, low birth weight, SGA babies, prematurity and NICU admissions, were significantly associated with low (<0.5 MoM) Serum PAPP-A levels, p <0.05.

Conclusions Serum PAPP-A in the early pregnancy showed significant correlation with feto-maternal outcome. Thus, it has the potential to be used as a prognostic factor and in the management of adverse outcomes by increasing surveillance for pregnant women with high-risk factors.