Introduction: Our aim was to state the role of first trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)-multiple of the median (MoM) value as a predictor for breech presentation at term of pregnancy.
Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we present data for 1100 singleton full-term deliveries that took place in a third-level hospital setting in northeast Italy between January 2004 and July 2007. For each case, PAPP-A, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and nuchal translucency were measured during prenatal trisomies screening (between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 d). A wide range of predictive factors for breech presentation at term of pregnancy and other confounding elements were considered.
Results: Of the 1100 singleton deliveries at term considered in our study, 40 babies were in breech presentation. Using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, a lower PAPP-A MoM than 0.63 (first quartile of our distribution) in the first trimester (OR 2.41, CI.95 1.25-4.67), and placental index at term higher than the median value (OR 2.04, CI.95 1.00-4.17) were proven to be associated with breech presentation at term.
Conclusions: A low PAPP-A during the first trimester was a predictive factor for breech presentation at term of pregnancy. Acknowledging and acting on this predictor could enable improved management of breech foetuses in the future.