Relation of conspicuous biochemical results in first trimester screening and pregnancy complications

Background:

Early detection of high risk pregnancies is an important matter in modern obstetrics in order to avoid severe pregnancy complications. Aim of the posed study is to analyze the relevance of conspicuous biochemical results in first trimester screening concerning the pregnancy outcome. We assume that differed levels of biomarkers PAPP-A, free βHCG and PlGF can provide information about the risk of developing hypertensive complications (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP-syndrome), intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death, abruption of the placenta, gestational diabetes or preterm delivery. Routinely, these biomarkers are determined during first trimester screening. They mark disorders in trophoblastic/placental growth and development.

Methods:

We evaluated data of patients who delivered between the years 2010 and 2012 at the delivery department of the Medical University of Graz, Austria. We defined two patient-groups. The first consisting of patients with conspicuous biochemical results during first trimester screening and the second with normal biochemical results. The course and outcome of pregnancy was observed and pregnancy complications were noted.

Results:

18,1% of pregnant women showed conspicuous biochemical results in first trimester screening. 23,5% of these women developed severe complications during pregnancy. 84,3% had normal biochemical markers and 15,7% of them developed severe pregnancy complications.

Conclusion:

A conspicuous biochemical result in first trimester screening implies higher risks of developing hypertensive complications during pregnancy, but also further severe complications like abruption of placenta, gestational diabetes or preterm delivery.