Reference ranges of anti‐Müllerian hormone and interaction with placental biomarkers in early pregnancy: the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective The primary objective of this study is to establish maternal reference values of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in a fertile multi-ethnic urban pregnant population and to evaluate the effect of gestational age. The secondary objective of this study is to explore the association between AMH and placental biomarkers. Design This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards. Setting City of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, out of hospital setting. Patients In 5806 women, serum AMH levels were determined in early pregnancy (median 13.5 weeks; 95% range 10.5–17.2). Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measures Maternal AMH levels in early pregnancy and its association with placental biomarkers, including human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT), and placental growth factor (PLGF). Results A nomogram of AMH in early pregnancy was developed. Serum AMH levels showed a decline with advancing gestational age. Higher AMH levels were associated with a higher level of the placental biomarkers hCG and sFLT in early pregnancy. This last association was predominantly mediated by hCG. AMH levels were negatively associated with PLGF levels. Conclusion In this large study, we show that AMH levels in early pregnancy decrease with advancing gestational age. The association between AMH and the placental biomarkers hCG, sFLT, and PLGF suggests a better placental development with lower vascular resistance in mothers with higher AMH levels. Hence, AMH might be useful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes due to impaired placental development.