What is pregnancy associated plasma protein a? Why is its level checked in serum? I heard that it may sign on some disorders in pregnancy but in some diseases too. What can you tell me about this protein?
Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (pappa) is used in prenatal genetic screening. If pappa level in plasma is low it’s a sign for increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, premature delivery, preeclampsia and stillbirth. Also trisomy 21 may occur then. Pappa is also marker of unstable angina; its level is higher in acute coronary syndromes.