The association between human chorionic gonadotropin and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between human chorionic gonadotropin and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane were searched in November 2021 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and relevant key words.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This analysis included published full-text studies of pregnant women with serum human chorionic gonadotropin testing between 8 and 28 weeks of gestation, investigating fetal outcomes (fetal death in utero, small for gestational age, preterm birth) or maternal factors (hypertension in pregnancy: preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placental abruption, HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus).

METHODS

Studies were extracted using REDCap software. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess for risk of bias. Final meta-analyses underwent further quality assessment using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) method.

RESULTS

A total of 185 studies were included in the final review, including the outcomes of fetal death in utero (45), small for gestational age (79), preterm delivery (62), hypertension in pregnancy (107), gestational diabetes mellitus (29), placental abruption (17), and HELLP syndrome (2). Data were analyzed separately on the basis of categorical measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin measured on a continuous scale. Eligible studies underwent meta-analysis to generate a pooled odds ratio (categorical human chorionic gonadotropin level) or difference in medians (human chorionic gonadotropin continuous scale) between outcome groups. First-trimester low human chorionic gonadotropin levels were associated with preeclampsia and fetal death in utero, whereas high human chorionic gonadotropin levels were associated with preeclampsia. Second-trimester high human chorionic gonadotropin levels were associated with fetal death in utero and preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

Human chorionic gonadotropin levels are associated with placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Both high and low human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the first trimester of pregnancy can be early warning signs of adverse outcomes. Further analysis of human chorionic gonadotropin subtypes and pregnancy outcomes is required to determine the diagnostic utility of these findings in reference to specific cutoff values.

Placental Growth Factor and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A as Potential Early Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications and one of the main causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes. An early diagnosis of GDM is of fundamental importance in clinical practice. However, the major professional organizations recommend universal screening for GDM, using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. A selective screening at an early stage of pregnancy is recommended only if there are maternal risk factors for diabetes. As a result, the GDM diagnosis is often delayed and established after the appearance of complications. The manifestation of GDM is directly related to insulin resistance, which is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. The placenta, the placental peptides and hormones play a pivotal role in the manifestation and progression of insulin resistance during pregnancy. Recently, the placental growth factor (PlGF) and plasma-associated protein-A (PAPP-A), have been shown to significantly affect both insulin sensitivity and endothelial function. The principal function of PAPP-A appears to be the cleavage of circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 while PlGF has been shown to play a central role in the development and maturation of the placental vascular system and circulation. On one hand, these factors are widely used as early predictors (11-13 weeks of gestation) of complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and fetal aneuploidies, in most countries. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence for their predictive role in the development of carbohydrate disorders, but some studies are rather controversial. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the available literature about the potential of serum levels of PlGF and PAPP-A as early predictors in the diagnosis of GDM.

Placental Endocrine Activity: Adaptation and Disruption of Maternal Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy and the Influence of Fetal Sex

The placenta is an endocrine fetal organ, which secretes a plethora of steroid- and proteo-hormones, metabolic proteins, growth factors, and cytokines in order to adapt maternal physiology to pregnancy. Central to the growth of the fetus is the supply with nutrients, foremost with glucose. Therefore, during pregnancy, maternal insulin resistance arises, which elevates maternal blood glucose levels, and consequently ensures an adequate glucose supply for the developing fetus. At the same time, maternal β-cell mass and function increase to compensate for the higher insulin demand. These adaptations are also regulated by the endocrine function of the placenta. Excessive insulin resistance or the inability to increase insulin production accordingly disrupts physiological modulation of pregnancy mediated glucose metabolism and may cause maternal gestational diabetes (GDM). A growing body of evidence suggests that this adaptation of maternal glucose metabolism differs between pregnancies carrying a girl vs. pregnancies carrying a boy. Moreover, the risk of developing GDM differs depending on the sex of the fetus. Sex differences in placenta derived hormones and bioactive proteins, which adapt and modulate maternal glucose metabolism, are likely to contribute to this sexual dimorphism. This review provides an overview on the adaptation and maladaptation of maternal glucose metabolism by placenta-derived factors, and highlights sex differences in this regulatory network.

Associations between Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Maternal Free Thyroxine, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a marker of placental function, which also stimulates the maternal thyroid gland. Maternal thyroid function can be associated with the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to study whether there is an association of hCG concentrations in early pregnancy with GDM and whether it is mediated through maternal thyroid hormones. Methods: This study included 18,683 pregnant women presenting at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China, between January 2015 and December 2016. GDM was diagnosed using a 2-hour, 75-g, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Multivariable logistic or linear regression models were used to identify associations, adjusting for maternal age, education level, family history of diabetes, parity, fetal sex, thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) status, and prepregnancy body-mass index. Results: Higher hCG concentrations were associated with a lower plasma glucose level during the OGTT, but not with fasting plasma glucose or hemoglobin A1c concentrations tested during early pregnancy. hCG in early pregnancy was negatively associated with GDM risk (p = 0.027). Mediation analysis identified that an estimated 21.4% of the association of hCG-associated GDM risk was mediated through changes in free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations (p < 0.05). In the sensitivity analysis restricted to TPOAb-positive women, hCG was not associated with GDM (p = 0.452). Conclusions: Higher hCG levels in early pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of GDM. Maternal fT4 may act as an important mediator in this association.

First trimester biomarkers for prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

To develop a first trimester prediction model for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using obesity, placental, and inflammatory biomarkers.

METHODS

We used a first trimester dataset of the ASPRE study to evaluate clinical and biochemical biomarkers. All biomarkers levels (except insulin) were transformed to gestational week-specific medians (MoMs), adjusted for maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal age, and parity. The MoM values of each biomarker in the GDM and normal groups were compared and used for the development of a prediction model assessed by area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The study included 185 normal and 20 GDM cases. In the GDM group, compared to the normal group BMI and insulin (P = 0.003) were higher (both P < 0.003). The MoM values of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and soluble (s)CD163 were higher (both P < 0.01) while pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), placental protein 13 (PP13), and tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were lower (all P < 0.005). There was no significant difference between the groups in placental growth factor, interleukin 6, leptin, peptide YY, or soluble mannose receptor (sMR/CD206). In screening for GDM in obese women the combination of high BMI, insulin, sCD163, and TNFα yielded an AUC of 0.95, with detection rate of 89% at 10% false positive rate (FPR). In non-obese women, the combination of sCD163, TNFα, PP13 and PAPP-A yielded an AUC of 0.94 with detection rate of 83% at 10% FPR.

CONCLUSION

A new model for first trimester prediction of the risk to develop GDM was developed that warrants further validation.

Diagnostic accuracy of maternal serum multiple marker screening for early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus in the absence of a gold standard test

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse diabetic complications for both mother and child during pregnancy. The common Gold Standard (GS) for diagnosis of GDM is 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during 24–28 gestational weeks which seems a little late for any proper intervention. This study aimed to employ the Bayesian latent class models (LCMs) for estimating the early diagnostic power of combination of serum multiple marker in detecting GDM during 14–17 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Data from a sample of 523 pregnant women who participated in gestational diabetes screening tests at health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran from 2017 to 2018 were used. The beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) values were extracted from case records for all participants. The Bayesian LCMs were applied for estimating sensitivity, specificity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of combining the three biomarkers’ results in the absence of GS, adjusting for maternal age and body mass index.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) maternal age of the participants was 28.76 (±5.33) years. Additionally, the mean (standard deviation) BMI was 24.57 (±3.22) kg/m². According to the Bayesian model, the cSensitivity, cSpecificity, and cAUC for the optimal composite diagnostic test were estimated as 94% (95% credible interval (CrI) [0.91–0.99]), 86% (95% CrI [0.80–0.92]), and 0.92 (95% CrI [0.87–0.98]), respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings revealed that the combination of uE3, AFP, and β-hCG results might be considered as an acceptable predictor for detecting GDM with a rather high level of accuracy in the early second trimester of pregnancy without a GS.

Are the first-trimester levels of PAPP-A and fb-hCG predictors for obstetrical complications in diabetic pregnancy?

Objective: To assess the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (fb-hCG) in cases of diabetic pregnancy, to determine whether these biomarkers can be considered significant predictors for macrosomia, preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth in mothers with different types of pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: It was a retrospective cohort study. Study groups were presented: type 1 DM (n = 100), type 2 DM (n = 50), and controls (n = 25). At 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 week's gestation, we recorded maternal characteristics and medical history, and performed a combined test for the detection of risk of chromosomal abnormalities. To assess the performance of the markers in the prediction of the main obstetrical complications (PE, IUGR, preterm birth, and macrosomia), receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were produced and area under the curves was calculated.Results: The study has shown that DM is associated with a high rate of perinatal complications: PE, IUGR, macrosomia, and preterm birth. The median level of PAPP-A was significantly lower in case of type 1 DM- 0.89 (inter quartile range (IQR), 0.51-1.1), and type 2 DM-0.88 (IQR, 0.42-1.15) compared to the unaffected group 1.03 (IQR, 0.96-1.12; p = .025). There were no significant differences in the fb-hCG multiples of the normal median (MoM; p = .14) between the diabetic and unaffected groups. More significant results were obtained when calculated by percentile: in diabetic pregnancies, PAPP-A and fb-hCG MoMs values were lower in the 5-10% ranges and higher in the 95% range, compared to the control group. ROC-analysis did not show any significant data that first-trimester PAPP-A and fb-hCG serum levels are predictors for PE, IUGR, macrosomia, and preterm birth.Conclusion: The routine first-trimester serum screening of fetal Down syndrome cannot be used as a tool of risk identification for PE, IUGR, macrosomia, and preterm birth in case of diabetic pregnancy.

First Trimester Combined Test (FTCT) as a Predictor of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background—The first trimester combined test (FTCT) is an effective screening tool to estimate the risk of fetal aneuploidy. It is obtained by the combination of maternal age, ultrasound fetal nuchal translucency (NT) measurement, and the maternal serum markers free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). However, conflicting data have been reported about the association of FTCT, β-hCG, or PAPP-A with the subsequent diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Research design and methods—2410 consecutive singleton pregnant women were retrospectively enrolled in Calabria, Southern Italy. All participants underwent examinations for FTCT at 11–13 weeks (plus 6 days) of gestation, and screening for GDM at 16–18 and/or 24–28 weeks of gestation, in accordance with current Italian guidelines and the International Association Diabetes Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) glycemic cut-offs. Data were examined by univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results—1814 (75.3%) pregnant women were normal glucose tolerant, while 596 (24.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. Spearman univariate analysis demonstrated a correlation between FTCT values and subsequent GDM diagnosis (ρ = 0.048, p = 0.018). The logistic regression analysis showed that women with a FTCT <1:10000 had a major GDM risk (p = 0.016), similar to women with a PAPP-A <1 multiple of the expected normal median (MoM, p = 0.014). Conversely, women with β-hCG ≥2.0 MoM had a reduced risk of GDM (p = 0.014). Conclusions—Our findings indicate that GDM susceptibility increases with fetal aneuploidy risk, and that FTCT and its related maternal serum parameters can be used as early predictors of GDM.

PAPP-A concentrations change in patients with gestational diabetes

Our aim was to assess the relationship between gestational diabetes and glucose intolerance regarding maternal serum PAPP-A and free β-hCG concentrations in first trimester pregnancies. This study was conducted on 278 women between 18-45 years old with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were divided into four groups, according to their 50 and 100 g OGTT results. Group 1 was the Control Group, Group 2 with positive 50 g OGTT results, but negative 100 g, Group 3 had gestational diabetes after testing with 50 g OGTT (≥180 mg/dl) or with 100 g OGTT. Finally Group 4 was made of women with a one single high glucose level after testing with 100 g OGTT. These groups were analysed in terms of OGTT results. In the GDM group, serum PAPP-A concentrations were significantly lower when compared with the Control Group's (p = 0.015). There was either no significant differences regarding free β-hCG concentrations among the groups. GDM rate is 21.1%, the patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their f β-hCG concentrations did not change. Our results are supported by several studies. However, we need greater numbered studies for exact results.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is produced by the placenta in pregnancy. PAPP-A cleaves insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins. It would appear to have a role in regulating IGF bioavailability in pregnancy. This is important as the IGF axis plays a critical role in fetal growth, and placental growth and function during pregnancy. Some studies have reported that PAPP-A levels were impaired among women who subsequently developed GDM.What do the results of this study add? The patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their free β-hCG levels did not change.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? By looking at PAPP-A concentrations, we can predict patients that will be gestational diabetic and take precautions to protect the babies health, such as their diet or exercise.

First trimesters Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A levels value to Predict Gestational diabetes Mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

Detecting pregnant women at risk of diabetes in first months can help them by early intervention for delaying or preventing onset of GDM. In this study, we aimed to assess the Predictive value of first trimester Pregnancy related plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels for detecting Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through probing in databases. PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google scholar citations were searched to find the published papers from 1974 to 2017. Studies were considered eligible if they were cohorts, case-control studies, reported GDM result, not other types, conducted on singleton pregnancy, measured Serum pregnancy associated plasma protein A in the first trimester and evaluated the relation of first trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and GDM. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality with Newcastle-Ottawa and extracted data in the Pre-defined checklist. Analysis of the data was carried out by "Comprehensive Meta-analysis Version 2 (CAM)" and Metadisc software. 17 articles have our inclusion criteria and were considered in our systematic review, 5 studies included in Meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of these articles showed that the predictive value of PAPP-A for GDM has 55% sensitivity (53-58), 90% (89-90) specificity, LR + 2.48 (0.83-7.36) and LR - 0.70 (0.45-1.09) with 95% confidence intervals. In our study PAPP-A has low predictive accuracy overall, but it may be useful when combined with other tests, and this is an active part for future research. One limitation of our study is significant heterogeneity because of different adjusted variables and varied diagnostic criteria.

Fetal overgrowth in pregnancies complicated by diabetes: development of a clinical prediction index

PURPOSE

To develop an index to predict fetal overgrowth in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

METHODS

Data were derived from a cohort of 275 women with singleton gestations in a collaborative diabetes in pregnancy program. Regression analysis incorporated clinical factors available in the first 20-30 weeks of pregnancy that were assigned beta-coefficient-based weights, the sum of which yielded a fetal overgrowth index (composite score).

RESULTS

Fifty-one (18.5%) pregnancies were complicated by fetal overgrowth. The derived index included five clinical factors: age ≤ 30, history of macrosomia, excessive gestational weight gain, enlarged fetal abdominal circumference, and fasting hyperglycemia. Area under the curve (AUC) for the index is 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-0.92]. Cut-points were selected to identify "high-risk" and "low-risk" ranges (≥ 8 and ≤ 3) that have positive and negative predictive values of 84% (95% CI 70-98%) and 95% (95% CI 92-98%), respectively. The majority of women in our cohort (n = 182, 66%) had a "low-risk" index while 9% (n = 25) had a "high-risk" index. Sub-analyses of nulliparous women and women with gestational and pre-gestational diabetes revealed that the overgrowth index was equally or more predictive when applied separately to each of these groups.

CONCLUSION

This fetal overgrowth index that incorporates five clinical factors provides a means of predicting fetal overgrowth and thereby serves as a tool for targeting the allocation of healthcare resources and treatment individualization.

Controversies in Screening and Diagnostic Criteria for Gestational Diabetes in Early and Late Pregnancy

This review serves to evaluate the screening and diagnostic strategies for gestational diabetes and overt diabetes in pregnancy. We focus on the different early screening and diagnostic approaches in first trimester including fasting plasma glucose, random plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1c, risk prediction models and biomarkers. Early screening for gestational diabetes is currently not recommended since the potential benefits and harms of early detection and subsequent treatment need to be further evaluated in randomized controlled trials.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and first trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A: A case-control study in a Chinese population

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To investigate the relationship between pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to determine whether PAPP-A has improved value for predicting GDM in a Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data for 599 GDM patients and 986 unaffected pregnant women undergoing both antenatal examinations and delivery were retrospectively analyzed. First-trimester serum PAPP-A levels were compared between the groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for GDM, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the value of PAPP-A for predicting GDM.

RESULTS

GDM-affected and unaffected pregnant women were significantly different in terms of age (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), family history of diabetes (P = 0.002), α-thalassemia trait (P < 0.01), parity (P < 0.001), conception methods (P < 0.001), gestational weeks at the time of labor (P < 0.001) and corrected PAPP-A multiples of the median values (P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that PAPP-A levels were negatively related to the subsequent development of GDM (odds ratio 0.798, 95% confidence interval 0.647-0.984). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for maternal factors was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.657-0.711), and did not significantly differ from that for the combination of maternal factors and serum PAPP-A levels, which was 0.686 (95% CI: 0.660-0.713; χ² = 0.625, P = 0.429).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PAPP-A was an independent factor for the development of GDM in pregnant Chinese women. Serum-PAPP-A does not have improved value with respect to predicting GDM when combined with other maternal factors.

Early Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A Concentrations Are Associated With Third Trimester Insulin Sensitivity

CONTEXT

First or early second trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) concentrations have previously been shown to be lower in women who subsequently develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

We therefore sought to investigate why circulating PAPP-A concentrations are related to the subsequent risk of GDM and gestational hypertension.

PATIENTS, DESIGN, AND SETTING

We measured serum PAPP-A concentrations around week 15 of pregnancy and related these to indices derived from week 28 oral glucose tolerance tests and blood pressures across pregnancy in the Cambridge Baby Growth Study cohort.

RESULTS

Increased PAPP-A concentrations were associated with reduced GDM risk [odds ratio 0.623 (0.453, 0.856), P = 3.5 × 10-3, n = 777] and reduced mean arterial blood pressures (β = -0.202 to -0.177, P = 1.7 to 6.9 × 10-3, n = 347 to 355). They were also negatively associated with week 28 fasting (β = -0.149, P = 6.6 × 10-4, n = 777) and 60-minute (β = -0.188, P = 1.5 × 10-5, n = 777) oral glucose tolerance test glucose concentrations. These associations were underpinned by the strong associations between increased week 15 PAPP-A concentrations and decreased week 28 insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance: β = -0.319, P = 1.7 × 10-13, n = 768), as well as increased insulin secretion relative to insulin sensitivity (insulin disposition index: β = 0.202, P = 6.5 × 10-6, n = 731).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that links between PAPP-A concentrations in early pregnancy and subsequent glucose concentrations and blood pressures may be mediated by changes in insulin sensitivity (and secretion).

Prediction models for the risk of gestational diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Numerous prediction models for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been developed, but their methodological quality is unknown. The objective is to systematically review all studies describing first-trimester prediction models for GDM and to assess their methodological quality.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until December 2014. Key words for GDM, first trimester of pregnancy, and prediction modeling studies were combined. Prediction models for GDM performed up to 14 weeks of gestation that only include routinely measured predictors were eligible.Data was extracted by the CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS). Data on risk predictors and performance measures were also extracted. Each study was scored for risk of bias.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 7761 articles, of which 17 were eligible for review (14 development studies and 3 external validation studies). The definition and prevalence of GDM varied widely across studies. Maternal age and body mass index were the most common predictors. Discrimination was acceptable for all studies. Calibration was reported for four studies. Risk of bias for participant selection, predictor assessment, and outcome assessment was low in general. Moderate to high risk of bias was seen for the number of events, attrition, and analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies showed moderate to low methodological quality, and few prediction models for GDM have been externally validated. External validation is recommended to enhance generalizability and assess their true value in clinical practice.

First-trimester biochemical markers of placentation in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether first-trimester biochemical markers of placentation, including pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PLGF), are altered in women that subsequently develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to examine their potential value in improving the performance of screening for GDM by maternal characteristics and medical history.

METHODS

The study population of 31,225 singleton pregnancies, including 787 cases that developed GDM, was drawn from women undergoing routine prospective screening for pregnancy complications at 11-13 weeks' gestation. Maternal serum PAPP-A and PLGF were measured and the levels were expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) after adjustment for maternal characteristics and medical history. The performance of screening for GDM by maternal factors and MoM values of PAPP-A and PLGF was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

In the GDM group, compared to the unaffected group, the median PAPP-A was reduced (0.949, 95% CI 0.913-0.987 MoM) (p=0.0009) and median PLGF was increased (1.053, 95% CI 1.023-1.083 MoM) (p=0.004). The performance of screening for GDM by maternal factors was not improved by the addition of PAPP-A and/or PLGF.

CONCLUSIONS

First trimester maternal serum PAPP-A and PLGF are not useful in screening for GDM.

The first trimester: prediction and prevention of the great obstetrical syndromes

A number of groups are currently examining the potential of screening for pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes at 12 weeks' gestation. This can be performed at the time of combined first-trimester screening for aneuploidy using a similar method of regression analysis to combine multiple demographic and investigative factors. At present, research into the prediction of pre-eclampsia is more robust and is associated with the potential for therapeutic intervention that can reduce the prevalence of early-onset pre-eclampsia and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.