https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1722-3553
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Abstract
Background
This study aims to assess the association between first-trimester biomarkers in foetuses with a non-chromosomal congenital heart defect (CHD) and compares it to the matched healthy foetuses.
Method
Nuchal Translucency (NT), Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) were evaluated in 56 isolated foetal heart defects and 224 controls. The CHDs were further divided into Critical CHD (C-CHD) and Non-critical CHD (N-CHD) groups.
Results
The multiple of the median (MoM) values for PAPP-A were significantly lower (0.87 MoM vs. 0.92 MoM; p = 0.008) in the total CHD group than in controls. The median of foetal NT values was significantly higher in the total CHDs than in controls (1.16 MoM vs. 1.03 MoM; p < 0.001), especially for C-CHDs (1.28 MoM; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in terms of PAPP-A (p = 0.779) and foetal NT values (p = 0.760) between the N-CHDs and control groups. There were no significant differences within the groups based on free β-hCG, except for a lower β-hCG in C-CHD group than in the control group (0.95 MoM vs. 1.11 MoM; p = 0.022).
Conclusion
Lower PAPP-A levels and increased NT thickness were associated with an increased risk of CHDs, especially the critical type of CHDs.
Maternal serum PAPP-A, measured in the first trimester, is significantly lower in CHD.
Foetal NT is significantly thicker in foetuses with CHD, especially those with critical CHD.
Maternal serum β-hCG was only decreased among critical CHD group.
Clinical significance
Disclosure statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Data availability statement
The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are available upon reasonable request.