Prediction of large-for-gestation neonates with first-trimester maternal serum PAPP-A

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper was to identify maternal/pregnancy characteristics, first trimester ultrasound parameters and biochemical indices which are significant independent predictors of large-for-gestational age (LGA) neonates.

Methods: An Observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Udine (Italy). Seventy-two singleton pregnancies presenting for screening for chromosomal abnormalities by nuchal translucency and maternal serum biochemistry at 11-14 weeks. Linear regression was applied to develop first trimester prediction models for LGA.

Results: Maternal height, parity, smoking, assisted conception and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A were significant independent predictors of LGA. PAPP-A cut-off value expressed in MoM of 1.25 used for the study was chosen to obtain good sensitivity and specificity values.

Conclusion: Prediction for birthweight deviations (LGA) is feasible using data available at the routine 11-14 weeks' examination.