PAPP-A
Also written as: PAPP-A — Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A
A placental protein measured in first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities.
Full Definition
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a glycoprotein produced by the placenta and measured during first trimester screening, typically between 10-13 weeks of gestation. Low levels of PAPP-A are associated with increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome (trisomy 21). PAPP-A is measured in conjunction with free beta-hCG and nuchal translucency to calculate risk ratios. The measurement is expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational age.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated when written out in full; acronym uses capital letters with hyphens.
In Context
- "The patient's PAPP-A level was 0.3 MoM, indicating an increased risk for trisomy 21." — Prenatal screening report
- "Low PAPP-A in the first trimester may also predict adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction." — Clinical consultation note