Correlation between PAPP-A levels determined during the first trimester and birth weight at full-term.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Foetal birth weight is an important determinant of perinatal health. For this reason, various methods have been investigated for estimating this weight during pregnancy. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible relationship between full-term birth weight and PAPP-A levels determined during the first trimester as part of combined screening for aneuploidy carried out in pregnant women. Material and methodology We carried out a single-centre study including pregnant women who were being followed up by the Obstetrics Service Care Units of the XXI de Santiago de Compostela e Barbanza Foundation, who gave birth from 1 March 2015 to 1 March 2017, and who had undergone their first-trimester combined chromosomopathy screening (or first-trimester combined screening, FTCS). The sample included a total of 2794 women. Results: When we analysed the relationship between foetal birth weight and the parameters used during first-trimester combined screening, as well as investigating into a predictor role for these parameters, we found a significant correlation between MoM PAPP-A and foetal birth weight. When MoM PAPP-A was measured at extremely low levels (< 0.3) during the first trimester, the OR for giving birth to a foetus with weight < p10, adjusting for gestational age and sex, was 2.74. For low levels of MoM PAPP-A (0.3 - 0.44), the OR was 1.52. With regard to the value of MOM PAPP-A levels as a predictor of foetal macrosomia, a correlation could be observed with elevated levels, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: PPAP-A determined during the first trimester acts as a predictor of foetal weight at term, as well as for foetal growth disorders.