PAPP-A concentrations change in patients with gestational diabetes

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the relationship between gestational diabetes and glucose intolerance regarding maternal serum PAPP-A and free β‐hCG concentrations in first trimester pregnancies. This study was conducted on 278 women between 18–45 years old with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were divided into four groups, according to their 50 and 100 g OGTT results. Group 1 was the Control Group, Group 2 with positive 50 g OGTT results, but negative 100 g, Group 3 had gestational diabetes after testing with 50 g OGTT (≥180 mg/dl) or with 100 g OGTT. Finally Group 4 was made of women with a one single high glucose level after testing with 100 g OGTT. These groups were analysed in terms of OGTT results. In the GDM group, serum PAPP-A concentrations were significantly lower when compared with the Control Group’s (p = 0.015). There was either no significant differences regarding free β‐hCG concentrations among the groups. GDM rate is 21.1%, the patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their f β‐hCG concentrations did not change. Our results are supported by several studies. However, we need greater numbered studies for exact results.

IMPACT STATEMENT

• What is already known on this subject? Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is produced by the placenta in pregnancy. PAPP-A cleaves insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins. It would appear to have a role in regulating IGF bioavailability in pregnancy. This is important as the IGF axis plays a critical role in fetal growth, and placental growth and function during pregnancy. Some studies have reported that PAPP-A levels were impaired among women who subsequently developed GDM.

• What do the results of this study add? The patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their free β-hCG levels did not change.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? By looking at PAPP-A concentrations, we can predict patients that will be gestational diabetic and take precautions to protect the babies health, such as their diet or exercise.

Keywords:

• PAPP-A
• β-hCG
• NT
• gestational diabetes
• glucose intolerance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.