Does high free beta-hCG mean Down syndrome?

Conclusion: Elevated free beta-hCG levels identify Down syndrome pregnancies. Replacing intact hCG with free beta-hCG in the multiple-marker screening test results in a higher Down syndrome detection rate at a lower false-positive rate.

What are hCG levels with Down syndrome?

The median free β-hCG concentration in Down’s syndrome pregnancies was 2.22 MoM (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.84–2.68 MoM), significantly higher than that in unaffected pregnancies (P<0.001).

Is low hCG associated with Down syndrome?

In pregnancies with Down syndrome, PAPP-A tends to be low, and NT and hCG tend to be raised. The values of these markers are used together with your age to estimate the likelihood of having a pregnancy affected with Down syndrome.

What is the most sensitive marker for Down syndrome?

For Down’s syndrome screening, where tests were carried out in the first and second trimester and combined to give an overall risk, we found that a test comprised of first trimester nuchal translucency and PAPP-A, and second trimester total hCG, uE3, AFP and Inhibin A was the most sensitive test, detecting nine out of …

What is considered high free beta-hCG?

In conclusion, abnormally low (< 0.5MoM) or high (> 2.0 MoM) free β-hCG levels are generally associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

When do hCG levels rise with Down syndrome?

Serum hCG β and intact hCG (α and β) are significantly elevated at 11–14 wks gestation in Down’s syndrome pregnancies.

Why does hCG increase in Down syndrome?

Biol. –4002. ) High maternal serum chorionic gonadotropin level in Down’s syndrome pregnancies is caused by elevation of both subunits messenger ribonucleic acid level in trophoblasts.

Does Down syndrome cause higher hCG?

In Down’s syndrome (DS) pregnancies, serum hCG remains significantly high compared to gestation age-matched uncompromised pregnancies.

Why is hCG increase in Down syndrome?

) High maternal serum chorionic gonadotropin level in Down’s syndrome pregnancies is caused by elevation of both subunits messenger ribonucleic acid level in trophoblasts.

Is free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin a serum marker of Down’s syndrome?

Objective: To investigate the value of the measurement of free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) as a serum marker of Down’s syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy. Design: A prospective observational study using stored antenatal serum samples.

Should we use beta-hCG in antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome?

The use of free beta-hCG in antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome The main advantage in using free beta-hCG instead of total hCG is that there is a small increase in the detection rate (4%) for a given false-positive rate when used with maternal age, AFP and uE3.

What is the likelihood ratio for free beta-hCG?

With a higher cut-off level of 3.5 MoM, the rates were 19% and 2.7% respectively (likelihood ratio of 7.0), using free beta-hCG, worse than the 19% and 1.4% using total hCG (likelihood ratio of 13.6).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of free beta hCG?

The main advantage in using free beta-hCG instead of total hCG is that there is a small increase in the detection rate (4%) for a given false-positive rate when used with maternal age, AFP and uE3. The main disadvantage is that there is less practical experience with free beta-hCG measurement and in …