Aim: To determine the prognostic value of the low Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels in the early stages of pregnancy (11-13 weeks GA) independently and in combination with a Doppler test of the uterine arteries during the second half of pregnancy (22-23 weeks GA).
Material and methods: The study covered the period 2010-2011 and included 106 pregnant women, aged 35-40, with a single child pregnancy. The research excluded pregnant women with anomalies of the fetus, smokers and women taking prophylactically low doses of aspirin.
Results: Thirty-six pregnant women had PAPP-A level below 0.4 MoM, whereas 20 of them developed preeclampsia and 7 - early preeclampsia. The combination of the low PAPP-A values and the abnormal Doppler test of the uterine arteries is with a considerably better prognostic value in regards to the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Conclusion: The Doppler test is a non-invasive, quick and easy method for assessment of the uterine-placental blood flow.
Keywords: Body Mass Index; Doppler test; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A.