Can quadruple test parameters predict SGA infants?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of quadruple test parameters in predicting the risk of delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) infant. The quadruple test results of patients performed at 16–18 weeks of pregnancy were searched retrospectively. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels higher than 2 MoM were associated with a risk of delivering an SGA infant (p = 0.025), sensitivity 8%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 25%, negative predictive value 91%. Other quadruple test parameters were not related to delivery of an SGA infant. The introduction of AFP as a screening test for the detection of SGA infants does not seem feasible, but we suggest clinicians take it into account when counselling the patients about the results of Down syndrome screening tests.

Keywords::

• Pregnancy
• quadruple test
• small for gestational age

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.