Affiliation:
1. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital,
Istanbul, Turkey
2. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tuzla State Hospital, Istanbul,
Turkey
3. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Unit, Umraniye Training and
Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Abstract
Abstract
Objective We aimed to investigate serum amphiregulin (AREG) concentrations
in pregnant women with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third
trimester.
Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90
pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital
Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The FGR
group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester,
and the control group consisted of 45 healthy pregnant women matched with the
FGR group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Demographic
characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. As a
primary outcome, the two groups were compared for maternal serum AREG
concentrations.
Results Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics
(p>0.05). While fetal BPD, AC, and FL measurements in the group
diagnosed with FGR were significantly lower than in the control group, umbilical
artery Doppler PI and S/D were higher (p=0.000, for all).
Gestational age at birth, newborn birth weight, birth height, and 1-minute Apgar
score were significantly lower and the NICU admission rate was higher in the FGR
group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.027,
p=0.011 respectively). Gestational age at blood sampling for AREG was
similar in both groups (p=0.869). While maternal serum AREG
concentration was 969.39 ng/L in the FGR group, it was
795.20 ng/L in the control group (p=0.018). AUC analysis
of AREG for estimation of FGR in ROC analysis was 0.57 (p<0.247,
95% CI=0.44–0.69). The optimal threshold value for FGR
estimation of maternal serum AREG concentration was determined as
874.03 ng/L with 55% sensitivity and 55%
specificity.
Conclusion High maternal serum AREG concentrations appear to be associated
with isolated FGR in the third trimester. The pathways through which AREG
modulates fetal growth remain to be investigated.
Subject
Maternity and Midwifery,Obstetrics and Gynecology,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health