Association between Serum Biomarkers with Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: Early detection of adverse pregnancy outcomes are among important topics in prenatal care. This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal serum markers with pregnancy outcomes.Method: This cohort study was performed according to the national Down syndrome screening protocol. Pregnancies were classified into three groups of low (>0.5MOM), normal, and high levels (<2MOM) based on each biomarker. The participants were followed up until delivery, and the pregnancy outcomes were identified according to hospital discharge records.Results: High levels of free-BHCG were significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Also, based on multivariate analysis the high levels of MSAFP had a direct relationship with premature birth, gestational hypertension, Intra Uterine Growth Restriction, and fetal death. Furthermore, an increase in the levels of Inhibin-A could more likely lead to gestational hypertension.Discussion: According to the result, maternal biomarkers especially MSAFP can be beneficial in identifying high-risk cases, in addition to examining the possibility of Down syndrome, facilitating achieving the desired pregnancy outcomes.