Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2009; 213 - PO_G_01_02
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1222860

Is there any effect of fetal gender on the markers of first trimester Down syndrome screening

GO Ajayi 1
  • 1Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy Centre, CMUL, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: At present, the most effective trisomy 21-screening method is the estimate of risk combining maternal age, fetal nuchial translucence, free Beta- human-chorionic, gonadotropin (Beta HCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP- A)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the humble effect of fetal gender in first trimester Down syndrome screening markers.

Design: Retrospective study

Setting: Prenatal Diagnosis Centre in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos.

Methods: In a total of n=350 pregnancies in which fetal nuchial translucency and maternal serum free beta HCG and PAPPA were performed and delivered in the hospital were included in this study. We investigated if there markers differed in the basis of fetal gender.

Results: PAPPA levels were higher in female fetuses although the difference was not statistically significant. The nuchial translucence was 0.099mm more in male fetuses.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that first trimester markers differ on gender but of no clinical significance confirming the result of other authors.