Correlation of PAPP-A values with maternal characteristics, biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: Our aim is to investigate whether there is a correlation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) values with other variables in pregnancy and maternal characteristics. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the relation between the PAPP-A levels, demographics, biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of the first trimester screening of 11,842 pregnant women seen at a tertiary hospital between November 2002 and November 2008. Results: A significant difference between PAPP-A values of the diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women were observed (p=0.0005, Mann-Whitney U test). In terms of weight, crown-rump length, Beta-hCG values, significant differences were observed between low and medium level PAPP-A subgroups and between low and high level PAPP-A subgroups. PAPP-A levels were found to differ significantly between the pregnant women of Caucasian origin and other racial origins. Conclusions: Pregnant women with different ethnic and medical backgrounds have different PAPP-A values and other markers of the aneuploidy screening. 'lb make patient specific risk predictions, understanding these interactions and differences is important. Future studies are needed to understand the pathopyhsiology behind these differences.