Low levels of PAPP-A during first-trimester screening are associated with an increased risk of what?

Low levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) during first-trimester screening are indeed associated with an increased risk of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). PAPP-A is a biomarker produced by the placenta and is crucial for fetal growth and development. Low levels can indicate placental insufficiency, which can compromise fetal wellbeing and lead to adverse outcomes such as IUFD. The association between low PAPP-A levels and IUFD highlights its importance as a screening tool in the early detection of potential complications in pregnancy, allowing for closer monitoring and intervention if necessary.

In contrast, other conditions such as multiple births, gestational diabetes, and excessive weight gain do not have a direct correlation with low PAPP-A levels. Multiple births generally involve different factors such as ovarian stimulation or maternal age rather than PAPP-A levels. Gestational diabetes is more closely tied to factors like maternal weight, history of diabetes, and insulin resistance rather than placental biomarkers. Lastly, excessive weight gain during pregnancy is influenced by dietary and lifestyle factors rather than being directly linked to the levels of PAPP-A. Thus, while PAPP-A levels can stand as a predictor for some pregnancy complications, they are specifically meaningful in assessing the risk of IUFD.