Intrauterine Growth Restriction--predictive Serum Markers.

AIM To determine during the first trimester of pregnancy some serum and ultrasound markers that could improve perinatal morbidity and mortality in women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospective study of pregnant women gestational age 11 weeks and 0 days--13 weeks and 6 days, consisting in the determination of pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A), mean platelet volume (MPV), and ultrasound appearance of placenta. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that screening by detailed history and PAPP-A and MPV determination during the first trimester of pregnancy in women at risk for IUGR makes possible the prophylactic treatment and monitoring of pregnancy according to a given protocol and thus neonatal morbidity and mortality to be reduced.