Low pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and serum urotensin-II in 11-14 weeks gestation: case-control study

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Yildirim Y. I., Yildirim R. B., Muhcu M.

REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA, vol.72, no.8, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This case-control study aims to investigate the relationship between low pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and serum urotensin-II concentrations between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. METHODS: This study was conducted between October 2024 and October 2025 at the perinatology outpatient clinic of a Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. A total of 84 women were consecutively included and divided into case and control groups based on pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A results. Written consent and a descriptive form were obtained. Combined screening tests were performed, and blood samples were collected for urotensin-II measurement. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the case and control groups in terms of urotensin-II concentration. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II concentrations. Each 1 mIU/mL increase in pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A concentration was associated with an approximate 36.45 ng/mL increase in urotensin-II concentration. CONCLUSION: In this study, no significant association was demonstrated between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II levels in case and control groups; however, a correlation was identified between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and urotensin-II concentrations.