Low PAPP-A levels - what does it mean?

[martha7731]

I had my nuchal scan today at the Fetal Medicine Centre and then had to have a CVS - because the results of my blood tests came back 1 in 234 for Trisomy 13. The main reason for this, as far as I can see, is the low PAPP-A levels in my blood (levels were 0.299).

Obviously I'm worried about the results of the CVS, but having googled low PAPP-A, it also seems to be associated with higher risk of stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, low birth-weight and all sorts of other scary things.

Can anyone provide any more information about this? The doctor I saw today seemed to suggest that if the CVS was fine, I shouldn't worry, but looking this up has really scared me.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question but you know you should not go googling these things - you will only ever find things that scare you and no offence but most people aren't in a position to understand what they are reading or put them into a context relevant to their own situation.

You will have to trust the medics and if the cvs is ok - stop worrying and stop googling!

good luck!

Well if trisomy 13 is associated with a higher rate of still birth then it seems logical to me.

I had low PAPP-A & high HCG with my dd - I had a CVS due to v. high risk of DS - chromosomes were normal. I was monitored with extra scans at 18 & 28 weeks to keep an eye on growth & placenta blood flow as I was told there is a risk of IUGR & placental issues. I went on to develop pre-eclampsia & dd was born at 35+5 though she was an excellent weight (no IUGR) & did really well.

I think it would be acceptable to request doppler scan(s) for placental function & a couple of growth scans.

I had PAPP-A levels below the 5th centile, I went onto have IUGR from 20 weeks.. babies were born small, but caught up very quickly, both had normal chromosomes. I had pre-eclampsia with my first pregnancy but not with my second.

I think that it can be a pre-indicator of potential growth problems, but as other posters have said not always. But I would second requesting a placenta function scan looking at the blood flow.

bumping in case anyone else can help with this.

Thanks, that is quite reassuring. NT measurement was absolutely fine and everything else on the scan and bloods looked good - it was just the low papp-a.

I get the cvs results on Tuesday. To be honest, that is even my main worry anymore. I just fear that, even if the CVS is okay, I won't be able to stop thinking about all the other things that are now more likely to go wrong.

Thanks, stories like that are quite reassuring so if anyone else has any, please let me know! Will let you know on Tuesday.