First-trimester prediction of small-for-gestational age neonates incorporating fetal Doppler parameters and maternal characteristics

OBJECTIVE

First-trimester screening for subsequent delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant typically focuses on maternal risk factors and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler. Our aim is to test if incorporation of fetal umbilical artery (UA) and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler improves SGA prediction.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective screening study of singletons at 11-14 weeks. Maternal characteristics, serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin are ascertained and UtA Doppler, UA, and DV Doppler studies are performed. These parameters are tested for their ability to predict subsequent delivery of a SGA infant.

RESULTS

Among 2267 enrolled women, 191 (8.4%) deliver an SGA infant. At univariate analysis women with SGA neonates are younger, more frequently African-American (AA), nulliparous, more likely to smoke, have lower PAPP-A and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. They have a higher incidence of UtA Doppler bilateral notching, higher mean UtA Doppler-pulsatility index z-scores (P < .001) and UA pulsatility index z-scores (P = .03), but no significant difference in DV-pulsatility index z-scores or in the incidence of abnormal qualitative UA and DV patterns. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identifies nulliparity and AA ethnicity (P < .001), PAPP-A multiple of the median and bilateral notching (P < .05) as determinants of SGA infant. Predictive sensitivity was low; receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yields areas under the curve of 0.592 (95% confidence interval, 0.548-0.635) for the combination of UtA Doppler and UA pulsatility index z-scores.

CONCLUSION

Delivery of a SGA infant is most frequent in nulliparous women of AA ethnicity. Despite the statistical association with UtA Doppler first-trimester SGA prediction is poor and not improved by the incorporation of fetal Doppler.

Association between maternal characteristics, abnormal serum aneuploidy analytes, and placental abruption

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to examine the association between placental abruption, maternal characteristics, and routine first- and second-trimester aneuploidy screening analytes.

STUDY DESIGN

The study consisted of an analysis of 1017 women with and 136,898 women without placental abruption who had first- and second-trimester prenatal screening results, linked birth certificate, and hospital discharge records for a live-born singleton. Maternal characteristics and first- and second-trimester aneuploidy screening analytes were analyzed using logistic binomial regression.

RESULTS

Placental abruption was more frequent among women of Asian race, age older than 34 years, women with chronic and pregnancy-associated hypertension, preeclampsia, preexisting diabetes, previous preterm birth, and interpregnancy interval less than 6 months. First-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A of the fifth percentile or less, second-trimester alpha fetoprotein of the 95th percentile or greater, unconjugated estriol of the fifth percentile or less, and dimeric inhibin-A of the 95th percentile or greater were associated with placental abruption as well. When logistic models were stratified by the presence or absence of hypertensive disease, only maternal age older than 34 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.0), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A of the 95th percentile or less (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), and alpha fetoprotein of the 95th percentile or greater (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8) remained statistically significantly associated for abruption.

CONCLUSION

In this large, population-based cohort study, abnormal maternal aneuploidy serum analyte levels were associated with placental abruption, regardless of the presence of hypertensive disease.

Comparison of different blood collection, sample matrix, and immunoassay methods in a prenatal screening setting

We compared how measurements of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (fβ-hCG) in maternal blood are influenced by different methods for blood collection, sample matrix, and immunoassay platform. Serum and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained by venipuncture and by finger prick of 19 pregnant women. PAPP-A and fβ-hCG from serum and from DBS were measured by conventional indirect immunoassay on an AutoDELFIA platform and by antibody microarray. We compared methods based on the recoveries for both markers as well as marker levels correlations across samples. All method comparisons showed high correlations for both marker concentrations. Recovery levels of PAPP-A from DBS were 30% lower, while those of fβ-hCG from DBS were 50% higher compared to conventional venipuncture serum. The recoveries were not affected by blood collection or immunoassay method. The high correlation coefficients for both markers indicate that DBS from finger prick can be used reliably in a prenatal screening setting, as a less costly and minimally invasive alternative for venipuncture serum, with great logistical advantages. Additionally, the use of antibody arrays will allow for extending the number of first trimester screening markers on maternal and fetal health.

Autocorrelation and cross-correlation between hCGβ and PAPP-A in repeated sampling during first trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Theoretically, repeated sampling of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the first trimester of pregnancy might improve performance of risk assessment of trisomy 21 (T21). To assess the performance of a screening test involving repeated measures of biochemical markers, correlations between markers must be estimated. The aims of this study were to calculate the autocorrelation and cross-correlation between hCGβ and PAPP-A in the first trimester of pregnancy and to investigate the possible impact of gestational age at the first sample and time between sampling on the correlation.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted including 3891 unaffected singleton pregnancies. Two measurements of hCGβ and PAPP-A were obtained during the first trimester in each pregnancy. Correlations between the four parameters, hCGβ first, hCGβ second, PAPP-A first and PAPP-A second, were estimated and presented in terms of Pearson's r coefficients. Furthermore, the correlation between paired samples as a function of time between samples was investigated.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated high correlation between first and second samples of hCGβ and PAPP-A with a correlation coefficient of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively. By contrast, the correlations between hCGβ and PAPP-A were low. In addition, the study demonstrated that the correlation between paired samples of hCGβ and PAPP-A decreases with earlier gestational age at the first sample and with increasing time between samples.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a parameter set in terms of correlations between biochemical markers, which can be incorporated into a T21 screening algorithm based on repeated measures within the first trimester.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and preeclampsia

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a key regulator of insulin-like growth factor bioavailability essential for normal fetal development. In maternal blood, this protein increases with gestational age and then rapidly decreases after delivery. It is routinely used for Down syndrome screening in the first trimester of pregnancy, and its decrease compared to a normal pregnancy indicates an increased risk for both chromosomal anomalies and adverse pregnancy outcomes. It belongs to a group of biomarkers that predict later preeclampsia development, primarily early onset preeclampsia; however, it should be combined with a Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery (pulsatile index) and other biochemical and maternal factors to achieve a higher detection rate with an acceptable false positivity rate. Some studies have demonstrated an even more pronounced decrease of PAPP-A in the early second trimester of pregnancy in women who subsequently develop preeclampsia compared with women who do not develop preeclampsia. Conversely, during the last trimester of pregnancy, its concentration increases even more in patients with preeclampsia than in patients without. It is also detectable at very low levels in nonpregnant individuals, and a higher concentration indicates an adverse effect in patients with acute coronary syndromes or stable atherosclerotic disease and in patients with end-stage renal disease who are being treated with hemodialysis.

[Effects, safety and cost-benefit analysis of Down syndrome screening in first trimester]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects, safety and cost-benefit analysis of Down syndrome screening in first trimester.

METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2012, 43 729 pregnant women undergoing 3 methods of Down syndrome traditional screening strategies in Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital were studied retrospectively, including in 17 502 cases in pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-hCG measured biochemistry screening, 14 080 cases in nuchal translucency (NT) screening and 12 147 cases in combined screening, meanwhile, 7 389 cases on non-invasive fetal trisomy test (NIFTY) were performed in Huada Gene Research Institute(BGI). The effects and safety of four screening strategies were assessed throughout a decision tree. The economical characters of each screening strategy were compared by cost-effectiveness analysis as well as cost-benefit analysis.

RESULTS

(1) The effects of four strategies are: NIFTY > combined screening > NT screening > biochemistry screening. (2) The safety of four strategies are: NIFTY > combined screening > NT screening > biochemistry screening. (3) Cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis:the biochemistry screening has lowest cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and highest cost-benefit ratio (CBR), which performed a better economical efficiency. The incremental CER of three traditional screening strategies are all less than the economical burden of Down syndrome.NIFTY has highest CER and negative net present value (NPV), NPV would be positive and CBR would be more than 1 if the price of NIFTY reduce to 1 434 Yuan.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined screening possess best screening efficiency, while biochemistry screening was demonstrated more economical in traditional screening.NIFTY is the future of Down syndrome screening.

[First-trimester biochemical markers and small-for-gestational-age infants]

INTRODUCTION

Several studies suggested an association between first trimester biochemical markers (PAPP-A and ß-HCG) and infants below 10th percentile. Our goal was to describe this relationship of biochemical markers with small-for-gestational-age fetuses in our population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analytic study of 2 035 pregnant women that underwent first-trimester screening in the period between March 2009 and September 2011. Small-for-gestational-age infants below 10th percentile were compared with control group (term newborn with birth weight above 10th percentile). Infants below 3rd percentile and control group were also compared. Multiple and logistic regression analysis were done with PAPP-A, ß-HCG (multiples of the expected normal median) and demographic maternal characteristics (ethnicity, weight and smoker status).

RESULTS

This study demonstrated an independent contribution of PAPP-A, maternal weight and smoker status in predicting small-for-gestational-age infants. For PAPP-A, the odds ratio for small-for-gestational age below 10th and 3rd percentile was 2.41 and 3.41, respectively (p < 0.01). For ß-HCG, odds ratio below 10th percentile was 1.70 (p = 0.03) and for birth weight below the 3rd percentile, the odds ratio was 3.22 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of PAPP-A and ß-HCG (values below 5th percentile of the study population) were associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age infants in the pregnant population included in this study.

Placental growth factor, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products, extracellular newly identified receptor for receptor for advanced glycation end products binding protein and high mobility group box 1 levels in patients with acute kidney injury: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Placental growth factor (PlGF), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), extracellular newly identified receptor for RAGE binding protein (EN-RAGE) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) are novel biomarkers in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, their clinical significance in acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether selected biomarkers are changed in AKI patients.

METHODS

Serum PlGF, PAPP-A, sRAGE, EN-RAGE and HMGB-1 levels were assessed in 40 patients with AKI, 42 CKD 5 patients, 31 haemodialysis patients (HD) and 39 age-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

PAPP-A was elevated in AKI (20.6 ± 16.9 mIU/L) compared with controls (9.1 ± 2.3 mIU/L, p < 0.001). PlGF was not increased in AKI (11.7 ± 7.4 pg/mL) versus controls (8.5 ± 2.4 pg/mL, n.s.), as well as sRAGE was not elevated in AKI (2400 ± 1400 pg/mL) compared with controls (1760 ± 730 pg/mL, n.s), but was lower compared with CKD 5 (3200 ± 1500 pg/mL, p < 0.05); EN-RAGE was elevated in AKI 480 ± 450 ng/mL in comparison with controls (60 ± 62 ng/mL), CKD 5 (190 ± 120 ng/mL), and HD (120 ± 100 ng/mL), all p < 0.001. Similarly, HMGB-1 was increased in AKI (5.8 ± 7.5 ng/mL) versus controls (1.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL), CKD 5 (3.2 ± 3.1 ng/mL) and HD (2.5 ± 2.1 ng/mL), all p < 0.001.In AKI group, in multivariate regression analysis: PAPP-A levels were associated with transferrin (p <0.001), negatively with albumin (p < 0.01) and prealbumin (p < 0.05); PlGF levels were associated with C--reactive protein (p < 0.001). EN-RAGE levels were associated with ferritin (p < 0.01) and orosomucoid (p = 0.02), and HMGB-1 levels with leukocyte count (p < 0.01) and negatively with proteinuria (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In AKI patients, PAPP-A, EN-RAGE and HMGB1 are elevated, but sRAGE and PlGF are not increased. Whereas PAPP-A correlates with markers of nutrition; PlGF, EN-RAGE and HMGB-1 are related to inflammatory parameters.

Detection of triploidy at 11-14 weeks' gestation: a cohort study of 198 000 pregnant women

OBJECTIVES

To assess the detection rate of triploidy at first-trimester screening for trisomy 21 and evaluate outcome in triploid pregnancies.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2011, 198 427 women with singleton pregnancies underwent first-trimester screening between 11 + 2 and 14 + 0 weeks' gestation. Screening parameters included nuchal translucency, maternal serum free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). In all triploid fetuses, these parameters were re-evaluated. Karyotypes were established by invasive testing (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) or postabortem and obtained from the Danish Cytogenetic Central Register and the Danish Fetal Medicine Database.

RESULTS

A total of 30 triploid fetuses underwent first-trimester screening. Twenty-five were diagnosed as a result of abnormal first-trimester scan findings, a detection rate of 83.3%. Twenty-three fetuses were identified due to a high risk for trisomy 13, 18 or 21 and two fetuses due to structural abnormalities. The incidence of triploidy at first-trimester screening was 1:6614. A smaller crown-rump length than that estimated by date of last menstrual period was found in 95% of the fetuses with data available for evaluation. Eight fetuses had a larger biparietal diameter than expected for gestational age. Fetuses with a 69,XXX karyotype had significantly lower multiples of the median values for β-hCG and PAPP-A than did 69,XXY fetuses (P = 0.045 and P = 0.02 forβ-hCG and PAPP-A, respectively). No infants with triploidy were born in the study period. Among the triploid gestations detected on first-trimester screening, 20 (80.0%) women chose termination of pregnancy, four (16.0%) had spontaneous miscarriage and one (4.0%) was stillborn.

CONCLUSION

First-trimester screening for trisomy 21 also provides a high detection rate for triploidy.

[Study on several ultrasound markers combined maternal serum biochemical markers to screen fetal chromosomal aneuploidy at 11 to 13(+)6 weeks of gestation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficiency of combined screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester and the ultrasound characteristics of these fetuses.

METHODS

Retrospective study for 5000 singleton pregnancies by combined screening of trisomies 21, 18, 13 and Turner syndrome.Risk algorithms were developed for calculation of patient-specific risks for each of the three trisomies based on maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency, free β human chorionic gonadotropin and serum pregnancy associated plasma protein A at 11 to 13(+6) weeks of pregnant. The value of nuchal translucency (NT) and β-hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) level were inputted computer, and calculate the risk value ( ≥ 1: 270) by automatic analysis software. Two hundred and four cases with high risk were performed transabdominal chorionic villus biopsy to detect the fetal chromosomal karyotypes. Meanwhile, other ultrasonic characteristics of fetal were elevated.

RESULTS

(1) Five thousand cases of pregnant women were detected, including 4983 normal cases, 62 cases were induced labor for a variety of reasons in the second trimester, including 40 cases with normal karyotype but with congenital heart disease, 17 cases of chromosome abnormalities (9 cases trisomy 21, 2 cases trisomy 18, 1 cases trisomy 13, 4 cases 45X), 2 cases spina bifida, 2 cases digestive tract obstruction, 1 cases giant bladder.One case with low risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in combined screening, but high risk of age (maternal age were over 40 years old), it was 21 trisomy syndrome after the prenatal diagnosis.(2) Five cases of nasal bone loss in 9 cases of trisomy 21 (5/9), 5 cases with three tricuspid regurgitation (5/9), 4 cases of venous ductus a wave flow reverse (4/9), 3 cases of fetal nasal bone loss accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation and venous ductus a wave flow reverse (3/9).One case of nasal bone loss in 2 cases of trisomy 18, 2 cases were tricuspid regurgitation and venous ductus a wave flow reverse. Two cases in 4 cases of 45X had venous ductus a wave flow reverse. There were 8 cases (0.16%) nasal bone absence in 4983 cases of normal karyotype fetus, 48 cases (0.96%) of tricuspid regurgitation and 44 cases (0.88%) of venous ductus a wave flow reverse. Thirty-two cases in 40 cases (80%) of fetal congenital heart disease were tricuspid regurgitation, 30 cases of venous ductus a wave flow reverse (75%).Eight cases of nasal bone absence normal karyotype fetus were found the nasal bone at 20 weeks gestation.

CONCLUSION

Combination screening of nuchal translucency with serum markers in the first trimester were high detection rate and low false positive rate; a wave reversion and fetal nasal bone absence accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation can improve the detection rate of abnormal karyotype; abnormalities ultrasound marker may be associated with fetal congenital heart disease at 11-13(+6) weeks of pregnancy.

Efficiency of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler, a-disintegrin and metalloprotease 12, pregnancy-associated plasma protein a, and maternal characteristics in the prediction of preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to estimate the efficiency of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler, A-disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), and maternal characteristics in the prediction of preeclampsia.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients presenting for first-trimester aneuploidy screening between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation. Maternal serum ADAM12 and PAPP-A levels were measured by an immunoassay, and mean uterine artery Doppler pulsatility indices were calculated. Outcomes of interest included preeclampsia, early preeclampsia (defined as requiring delivery at <34 weeks' gestation), and gestational hypertension. Logistic regression analysis was used to model the prediction of preeclampsia using ADAM12 multiples of the median (MoM), PAPP-A MoM, and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index MoM, either individually or in combination. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the screening efficiency of the models using nonparametric U statistics.

RESULTS

Among 578 patients with complete outcome data, there were 54 cases of preeclampsia (9.3%) and 13 cases of early preeclampsia (2.2%). Median ADAM12 levels were significantly lower in patients who developed preeclampsia compared to those who did not (0.81 versus 1.01 MoM; P = .04). For a fixed false-positive rate of 10%, ADAM12, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler parameters in combination with maternal characteristics identified 50%, 48%, and 52% of patients who developed preeclampsia, respectively. Combining these first-trimester parameters did not improve the predictive efficiency of the models.

CONCLUSIONS

First-trimester ADAM12, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler characteristics are not sufficiently predictive of preeclampsia. Combinations of these parameters do not further improve their screening efficiency.

First and second trimester biochemical markers in familial mediterranean fever

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate whether the maternal serum concentrations of first and second trimester serum analytes are altered in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The screening tests were compared in a series of 16 serum samples from FMF pregnancies and in a cohort of 48 pregnant women with normal pregnancy. Serum samples were obtained between 11 and 13 weeks; 16 and 18 weeks gestation.

RESULTS

Serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels, expressed as multiples of the median (0.9 ± 0.45 MoM) in the control group, were significantly higher than FMF patients (0.6 ± 0.3 MoM) (p = 0.027). Analyses of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and oestriol levels showed no significant differences between FMF and normal pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that low levels of PAPP-A are associated with FMF.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels and neonatal complications in post-date pregnancies

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) in the first trimester and perinatal complications in post-date pregnancies.

METHODS

A total of 4948 women, who delivered after 40 gestational weeks, were included. Labour was not induced routinely until 42 weeks. Serum levels of PAPP-A and free β-hCG were determined at the first-trimester screening for Down syndrome. Neonatal complications were obtained from specific registration forms filled out by senior neonatologists.

RESULTS

In post-date pregnancies, PAPP-A < 0.4 multiples of the median was associated with Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 min (ORadj 5.4, 95% CI 2.0-14.3), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (ORadj 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.3) and newborn hypoglycaemia (ORadj 3.4, 95% CI 1.8-6.4). In small for gestation (SGA) neonates, the risk of hypoglycaemia was further increased (OR 14.6, 95% CI 3.4-58.0). Similar analyses were made with free β-hCG, but no statistically significant associations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Low first-trimester serum PAPP-A was associated with increased neonatal morbidity in post-date pregnancies, particularly in newborns with SGA. Thus, PAPP-A may qualify the timing of induction of labour in these pregnancies.

First trimester maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A is a predictive factor for early preterm delivery in normotensive pregnancies

In this study, we investigated whether the concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) or free β-hCG (fβhCG) in the first trimester can identify women at increased risk of subsequent preterm delivery in the absence of hypertensive disorders. Preterm and early preterm deliveries are defined as those deliveries before completing 37 and 34 weeks, respectively. A total of 868 women were enrolled into this study. According to the level of the markers, the patients were evaluated in three groups: 1 - maternal serum level ≤ 5 th percentile, 2 - between 5th and 95th percentiles, 3 - ≥ 95 th percentile. In the group of patients with a PAPP-A level ≤ 5 th percentile [≤ 0.35 multiples of the median (MoM)], mean gestational age (GA) at delivery, mean birth weight and the number of the cases with early preterm delivery were significantly lower than the others. Mean level of PAPP-A was significantly lower in cases with early preterm than term deliveries (0.58 ± 0.32 versus 1.09 ± 0.69; p = 0.01). Maternal serum level of fβhCG did not show significant difference between these groups (0.84 ± 0.45 versus 1.17 ± 0.77; p = 0.15). Low levels of maternal serum PAPP-A (≤ 0.35 MoM) (Odds ratio = 7; 95% confidence interval 1.8-27.7; p = 0.0048) significantly predicted early preterm delivery in normotensive pregnancies. Women with low levels of PAPP-A at first trimester have a higher risk of early preterm delivery even in the absence of hypertensive disorders.

Comparison of three first trimester screening algorithms for trisomy 21 with and without adjustment for maternal characteristics

PURPOSE

Comparison of three algorithms (DoE 2007 and DoE 2011 algorithm of the FMF Germany and MoM algorithm of the FMF UK) in first trimester biochemical screening for trisomy 21 based on maternal and gestational age, free ß-hCG, and PAPP-A and assessment of relevant maternal characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 22 449 euploid singleton pregnancies undergoing combined screening for trisomy 21 at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation were examined. The measured maternal free β-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations were converted into DoE 2007 and DoE 2011 values according to the algorithm of the FMF Germany and into MoM values according to the algorithm of the FMF UK. In each pregnancy, patient-specific risks and false-positive rates (FPR) were computed according to the three algorithms and were stratified according to gestational age, maternal ethnicity, maternal weight, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Free ß-hCG and PAPP-A MoM and DoE 2011 were acceptably independent from maternal characteristics and gestational age, while there was a strong relationship between maternal weight and the DoE 2007 values. For a risk cut-off that corresponds to an overall 5 % FPR rate for each algorithm, the FPR in each group were around 5 % at gestational week 11 - 13. The FPR of the DoE 2007 algorithm increased linearly with maternal weight from 3.6 % in women of 50 kg or less to 11.8 % in women of more than 110 kg.

CONCLUSION

Especially maternal weight has a significant impact on the risk calculation. In contrast to the DoE 2007 algorithm, the DoE 2011 and MoM algorithms both adjust for maternal weight.

Can first-trimester screening program detect women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus?

This study was designed to compare first-trimester maternal serum biochemical markers of aneuploidy and fetal nuchal translucency in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and those of a control group. The study included 60 gestational diabetic and 60 control women who attended the first-trimester combined screening program for Down syndrome between 11 and 14 gestational weeks with complete follow-up data and delivered in our institution. Maternal serum free β-human chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and fetal nuchal translucency were investigated. The combined risks, double test risks and age risks were calculated by PRISCA software version 4.0. Comparison of the results between the two groups yielded no significant differences in serum levels of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin and fetal nuchal translucency. However, women who developed gestational diabetes mellitus had significantly lower pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. And also, the combined risks and double test risks calculated by PRISCA software were statistically higher in gestational diabetic women than normal pregnant women. These results suggest that differences can be seen between diabetic and healthy pregnant women in first-trimester maternal serum biochemical markers of aneuploidy.

Temporal effects of maternal and pregnancy characteristics on serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin at 7-14 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate gestational age-dependent effects of racial origin, smoking status and mode of conception on maternal serum levels of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 7-14 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was an analysis of data from prospective first-trimester combined screening for aneuploidies in singleton pregnancies, with β-hCG and PAPP-A measured at 7 + 1 to 14 + 3 weeks' gestation. We included 27,908 pregnancies from three centers in the U.K. and 125,461 pregnancies from 22 centers in Denmark, all with known normal fetal karyotype or resulting in the birth of a phenotypically normal neonate. Multiple regression modelling of log10 -transformed marker concentrations was used to produce log10 multiple of the median (MoM) values for free β-hCG and PAPP-A and to examine pregnancy characteristics that have significant effects on marker concentrations.

RESULTS

Serum free β-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations were significantly affected by gestational age, maternal weight, racial origin, parity, smoking and mode of conception. There were significant gestational age-dependent effects attributed to Afro-Caribbean race, smoking and conception through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on PAPP-A and free β-hCG levels. In women of Afro-Caribbean race there was a weekly increase in PAPP-A of 5.3% and in free β-hCG of 1.8%. In smokers there was a weekly decrease in PAPP-A of 2.4% and in free β-hCG of 1.6%. In cases of IVF conceptions there was a weekly increase in PAPP-A of 4.5% and in free β-hCG of 4.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum free β-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations at 7-14 weeks' gestation are affected by several pregnancy characteristics. The effects of Afro-Caribbean race, smoking and IVF conception change with gestational age.

[Evaluation of the influence of exposure to tobacco smoke on the concentration of the pregnancy-associated plasma protein A in the population of healthy men and non-pregnant women]

The chemical variety of tobacco smoke components induces a multidirectional, not yet fully understood effects on living organisms, including both those actively and passively exposed. The chemical compounds present in tobacco smoke, due to its heterogeneous structure and properties undergo different biotransformation processes. Some components of tobacco smoke (for example, carbon monoxide) have an immediate effect on the body, in this case due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin, and nicotine contained in the tobacco smoke also has direct influence on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, lifestyle imposed by the highly developed society, including a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet cause, that we are exposed to the factors associated with the formation of the so-called lifestyle diseases, like atherosclerosis and cancer. Pregnancy-Associated-PlasmaProtein A (PAPP-A) is a high-molecular zinc-binding metalloproteinase that was first detected in the serum of pregnant women as a protein produced by trophoblasts of properly developing fetus. In the blood of pregnant women PAPP-A exists as heterotetrameric complex (htPAPP-A) consisting of two subunits of PAPP-A. It can also be detected in men and women who are not pregnant but this time labeled PAPP-A is present as a homodimer (dPAPP-A, "free PAPP-A") consisting of two identical subunits devoid of proMBP protein. Recently a growing interest in determining the concentration of PAPP-A as a marker of oxidative stress and atherosclerotic processes is observed, because the increased levels of PAPP-Awere detected in people with a history of cardiovascular incident. PAPP-A is present on the early stages of atherosclerotic plaque instability when it is still possible to prevent a myocardial damage. The influence of smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke on concentrations of PAPP-A is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of PAPP-A levels in the population of healthy young men and non-pregnant women. In the study author's questionnaire was used to assess exposure to tobacco smoke including knowledge of exposure to selected environmental xenobiotics, unhealthy habits and everyday diet. The study group consisted of 169 students of the first and second year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Medicine and Dentistry, and the second year of Emergency Medicine in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia. Blood samples were obtained from 153 students. For the determination of protein PAPP-A ELISA method was used. Mean PAPP-A concentration in the study group was 11.52 [ng/ml]. There was a statistically significant difference in the concentration of PAPP-A regarding gender (women 14.6 [ng/ml] vs. men 20.39 [ng/ml]; p = 0.014). In the study group of smoking students average concentration of PAPP-A was lower in comparison with non-smoking students (regardless of gender). Passive exposure to tobacco smoke also affects the levels of PAPP-A in the tested population of young people.

[Maternal biochemical screening -- an approach for genetic prevention. part 1. first and second trimester screening]

The aim is to perform our eight-year experience on prenatal (matemal) screening for Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

Pregnant women underwent screening in second trimester (ST2) - 14(+4)-19(+3) gestational week using serum AFP and free beta-hCG biochemical markers. A more sensitive first trimester test has been implemented in 11(+0)-13(+6) gestational weeks since the end of 2009. This combined screening test (CST1) was based on US measurements of NT (nuchal translucency) and NB (nasal bones) supplemented by biochemical markers of serum free beta-hCG and PAPP-A. Uniform methodology, web-based software and system for laboratory quality control had been used. False positive ratios for DS were estimated at cut-offs 1/250 for Down syndrome and 1/100 for Edwards syndrome.

RESULTS

The test was performed on 17 468 pregnant women: 13 016 by biochemical screening 2 test (BHS2) and 4452 by first trimester test CST1. High risk for a chromosome disorder by BHS2 test was found in 1097 (8,4%) cases (5,96% < 35 years and 21,13% > 35 years). 7 fetuses were diagnosed with chromosome disease (5 fetuses with trisomy 21,1 - trisomy 18 and 1 - triploid); false positive were 1090 (8,4%). High risk for a chromosome disorder by CST1 test was found in 102 (2,3%) cases. 4 affected fetuses were diagnosed (3 with trisomy 21 and 1 with trisomy 13). Verified diagnosis for DS by first and second trimester tests were 43% (3 out of 7 cases) with 57% false negative results and 45,5% (6 out of 11 cases) with 54,5% false negative results respectively. Description of biochemical values/MoMs and US measurements are applied.

CONCLUSIONS

We comment on the importance of US measurements in CST1 test and correct analysis of biochemical and US markers in counseling of every individual patient, beyond final risk number.

[First-trimester screening for trisomies 18 and 13 with the combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomy 21, 18 and 13]

PURPOSE

Assessment of first-trimester combined screening for trisomy 18 and 13 with the combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomy 21, 18 and 13.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First-trimester combined screening based on maternal and gestational age, fetal NT, PAPP-A and free β-hCG was assessed in 39 ,004 pregnancies. Patient-specific risks for trisomy 21, 18, 13 were computed based on the current FMF London algorithm.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 38 ,751 singleton pregnancies including 39 cases with trisomy 18 or 13. In the aneuploid group, median delta NT was 0.72 mm, PAPP-A was 0.21 MoM and free β-hCG was 0.33 MoM. Although only 41 % of the NT measurements of fetuses with trisomy 18 or 13 were above the 95th percentile, the detection rates for trisomy 18 or 13 were 82 % with the trisomy 18/13 algorithm and 56.4 % with the trisomy 21 algorithm. The respective false-positive rates were 0.7 % and 4.7 %. The combination of the trisomy 18/13 and the trisomy 21 algorithm with the same cut-offs led to a detection rate of 94.9 % at an overall false-positive rate of 5.0 %.

CONCLUSION

Despite a substantial underestimation of the fetal NT, the combined use of the trisomy 18/13 and the trisomy 21 algorithm of the FMF London leads to a detection rate for trisomy 18/13 of about 95 % for a false-positive rate of 5.0 %.

Upregulation of HtrA4 in the placentas of patients with severe pre-eclampsia

High temperature requirement A (HtrA) family proteins are serine proteases that may serve in the quality control of misfolded or mislocalized proteins. Recently, possible involvements of HtrA1 in the normal development of the placenta and in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia were reported. In this study, we characterized HtrA4, a previously uncharacterized HtrA protein family member, in pre-eclampsia. Elevated expression levels of placental HtrA4 in pre-eclampsia patients were observed by qRT-PCR. Western blotting also showed an increased production of HtrA4 at the protein level in pre-eclamptic placentas. In normal chorionic villi, HtrA4 protein was more abundant in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts than in syncytiotrophoblasts. In contrast, the amount of HtrA4 protein in syncytiotrophoblasts was dramatically increased in pre-eclamptic placentas. Circulating HtrA4 was detected at higher levels in sera from women with pre-eclampsia than from those with normotensive pregnancies. Serum HtrA4 levels were higher in patients with early onset and inversely correlated with the weights of the newborn and placenta. Furthermore, serum levels correlated with serum PAPP-A and PAPP-A2 levels, indicating a functional role for HtrA4 in the common pathway. These data suggest that increased HtrA4 may be involved in the onset of pre-eclampsia, and elevated levels in sera imply a potential application as a biomarker for this disorder.

Increase in serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A is correlated with increase in cardiovascular risk factors in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) is correlated to many adverse effects on metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a protease that promotes IGF-I availability in vascular tissues in recent study, and PAPP-A levels have been proposed as an early predictor of cardiac events. The aim of our study was to compare PAPP-A levels in AGHD patients with that of healthy adult subjects to determine if there is a relationship between serum PAPP-A and glucose and lipid metabolism. Twenty AGHD patients and 20 healthy, age-matched and weight-matched persons were chosen for the study. Their weight, height, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference, and waist-hips ratio were assessed. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed and venous blood was collected from the each patient's cubital vein for biochemical analysis. Serum PAPP-A level in AGHD patients was significantly higher than that of the control group [(7.62 ± 1.62 vs. 6.54 ± 1.31) p < 0.05], and PAPP-A was positively correlated to age, BMI, waist circumference and so on. After adjusting for the waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, triglycerides, the serum PAPP-A in AGHD patients was positively correlated to the BMI (r = 0.728, p < 0.05) and fasting insulin (r = 0.433, p < 0.05). In a multiple step-wise regression analysis, BMI, 2 h postprandial glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR were independently associated with serum PAPP-A in AGHD patients. The increase in serum PAPP-A levels is associated with abnormal glucose metabolism and increased risk of atherosclerosis in AGHD patients.