First-trimester Down syndrome screening: free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A

Article Abstract:

Testing for levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in the first trimester of pregnancy may be as accurate as second trimester tests to detect Down syndrome. Researchers analyzed blood samples taken from mothers in the first trimester from 22 Down syndrome and 483 normal pregnancies for levels of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A. Fifteen of the 22 Down syndrome cases were identified in the first trimester using these tests, a rate of 68.2% with a 5% false-positive rate. This rate of detection may be at least as sensitive as second trimester tests for Down syndrome. Detection rates were adjusted for the 11 Down syndrome cases involving mothers 35 years and older. Testing the mother's blood for alpha-fetoprotein in the first trimester may not produce accurate results.

Author: Macri, James N., Krantz, David A., Larsen, John W., Buchanan, Philip D.
Measurement, Pregnancy proteins, Chorionic gonadotropin, Chorionic gonadotropins

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Combined first-trimester versus second-trimester serum screening for Down syndrome: a cost analysis

Article Abstract:

The authors have compared the cost-effectiveness of combined first-trimester screening for fetal Down syndrome with second-trimester maternal serum triple screening. The results have demonstrated that the developed combined first-trimester screening model is more cost-effective than the universal second-trimester triple serum screening for this disease.

Author: Macri, James N., Krantz, David A., Cusick, William, Buchanan, Philip, Hallahan, Terrence W., Larsen, John W., Jr.
United States, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Science & research, Research and Testing Services, Gynecological R&D, Health aspects, Research, Methods, Analysis, Abnormalities, Fetus, Physiological aspects, Demographic aspects, Comparative analysis, Pregnant women, Serum, Blood serum, Medical screening, Health screening, Obstetrics, Prenatal diagnosis, Gynecological research

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Subjects list: Diagnosis, Down syndrome
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