BACKGROUND:
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is traditionally one of the combined biochemical screening methods for aneuploidies. Though PAPP-A has been found in many human organs, including the colon, kidneys, breast, and bone marrow, it is found more in pregnant woman's serum due to the production by syncytio-trophoblast of the placenta.Recent studies have explored on the use of PAPP-A for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
AIM:
This study focusses on the obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with low PAPP-A levels.
METHODS:
This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SAT hospital, Trivandrum among antenatal women of gestational age 11 to 14 weeks. They were followed up to see the difference in pregnancy outcomes between women with low PAPP-A and normal PAPP-A levels.
RESULTS:
Women with low PAPP- A are at a significantly higher risk of complications as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight and neonatal complications.
CONCLUSION:
The study supports the association between low PAPP-A levels and adverse obstetric outcomes.The findings underscore theimportance of identifying and closely monitoring pregnant women with low PAPP-A.Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms linking low PAPP-A levels with adverse outcomes and exploring potential interventions to mitigate the risks associated with low PAPP-A levels.
Key words: Pregnant women, Pregnancy complications, Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, Screening
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