Low PAPP-A Results after Nuchal Translucency Scan

[Stella'sMum]

Thanks,

PAPP-A is Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, and when the score is low, it is a marker for Trisomy 21, interuterine growth restriction, premature delivery and basically is a placenta problem. It cannot really be monitored until after 20 weeks to see if the baby is growing sufficiently.

Stella'sMum

[Janie71]

Stellas Mum - I've never heard of this before... just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your pregnancy.

Janie xxx

[Inanna]

Big hugs Stellas Mum... This is a scary time and I do understand...

Your PAPP-A is low - and yes it's an indicator. Just like a temperature is an indicator to pneumonia - but you could just get a cold... KWIM???

The ratio between the PappA and HCG is not too bad.

To put it into perspective. My PAPP-A was 3 times yours and my baby was born at 28 weeks with a shot placenta... It is just an indicator. In the absence of any other indicator the likelihood is good that your baby is healthy.

I wish I could give you a hug in person. I feel your pain - please let us know when your CVS comes thru.

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

[M22]

ohh okay- have you tried a google seach?? all the best and i really hope you find the anwers on here you are looking for.

[Stella'sMum]

Thanks for your reply Flowerchild.

When you say your PAPP-A was 3 times mine, do you mean 3 times higher or 3 times lower?

[bridee]

Hi Stellas Mum, I certainly know exactly what you are going through as I have recently just gone through the same thing. I'm currently 21 weeks and got very similar results to you at 12 weeks. My results were:

NT: 1.28
freeBHCG: 1.1 MOM
Papp-a: .28MOM

We also elected to have the CSV which came back with everything being good. Given there are no other markers you should be ok as well. My OB has said he has had patients reach 39weeks but other only reaching 28 so it is very individual. I'm having additional growth scans at this stage at 28 and 32 weeks but really all depends of the results.

My 19 week scan showed bubs was growing right on target but OB has said it really isn't until 28 weeks where we can start to tell what might happen as that is when bubs will start to have growth spurts. My 19 weeks did show that bubs has only a single umibilical artery (SUA) (instead of 2), this is linked to kidney problems (but scan showed bubs does have 2 kidneys) and small babies. Given we were already expecting a small baby from the papp-a that is not a big shock. Anyway I don't think the SUA is linked in anyway to the papp-a just lucky (hahah) to get the 2 issues in the one pregnancy.

Anyway can't really help you with the outcome of pregnancy but it is great to hear someone else going through the same thing coz I don't think it is really common.

[Stella'sMum]

Thanks for your reply Bridee. I am so glad to hear your baby is growing well at 19 weeks.
Our doctor said this to us too, that the baby doesn't really start growing independently until about the 20th week, so fingers crossed it keeps growing like a champion for the next 20 weeks!
Please keep me updated on how everything goes. I wish there was something we could do to 'fix' this!

Hi Stellas Mum, I certainly know exactly what you are going through as I have recently just gone through the same thing. I'm currently 21 weeks and got very similar results to you at 12 weeks. My results were:

NT: 1.28
freeBHCG: 1.1 MOM
Papp-a: .28MOM

We also elected to have the CSV which came back with everything being good. Given there are no other markers you should be ok as well. My OB has said he has had patients reach 39weeks but other only reaching 28 so it is very individual. I'm having additional growth scans at this stage at 28 and 32 weeks but really all depends of the results.

My 19 week scan showed bubs was growing right on target but OB has said it really isn't until 28 weeks where we can start to tell what might happen as that is when bubs will start to have growth spurts. My 19 weeks did show that bubs has only a single umibilical artery (SUA) (instead of 2), this is linked to kidney problems (but scan showed bubs does have 2 kidneys) and small babies. Given we were already expecting a small baby from the papp-a that is not a big shock. Anyway I don't think the SUA is linked in anyway to the papp-a just lucky (hahah) to get the 2 issues in the one pregnancy.

Anyway can't really help you with the outcome of pregnancy but it is great to hear someone else going through the same thing coz I don't think it is really common.

[Inanna]

You are right Bridee it's not uncommon - especially now since the Nuchal Translucency Test has become a "usual" prenatal test for most women.

My PappA was 3 times greater than yours Stellas Mum. What I am trying to illustrate is that it's an indicator. It's not a diagnosis. Your level could be what it is and you have your baby at +40 weeks! My bby was born early due to my own illness - we just don't know what's around the corner.

In a way these tests are trying to tell us "what may be around the corner".

You will be monitored a little more closely - wishing you all the best my love...

[Stella'sMum]

Hi all,

Sydney genetics rang this afternoon, and thank God, the results were clear of trisomy abnormailities.

Fingers crossed our little baby keeps growing for the next 25 weeks and comes out healthy in every way.

Please keep responding as I will check back often and keep you updated with all the good news (fingers crossed)!

Stella'sMum

[bridee]

Great news Stellasmum. Look forward to sharing our stories over the coming months.