1st Trimester Maternal Serum Retinol Binding Protein 4 as a Predictor of Subsequent Fetal Growth Restriction

Abstract

ntra uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the serious problems in obstetrics and neonatology and is associated with perinatal mortality, serious neonatal morbidity and in some cases childhood disability. It was reported that 50-75% of cases are missed. Despite early prediction and accurate diagnosis of IUGR decreases the morbidity, mortality and also helps in the proper management. The present study aimed to confirm the hypothesis that first trimester RBP4 is a potential biomarker to detect IUGR through Estimated fetal weight and Abdominal circumference.. The present study was carried out at Ain Shams University Maternity hospital. It was a prospective study done on one hundred pregnant women were recruited from the outpatient obstetrics clinic and only singelton pregnancies at first trimester (11-14 weeks) were included in the study. Twins or more fetuses, recurrent miscarriage, threatened abortion and women with known medical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, and connective tissue diseases.) were excluded from this study. As all such conditions might be postulated to change RBP4 measurement as they all affect placentation. All women were subjected to full history taking, full general and abdominal examination; in addition, blood samples were collected by venipancture to measure RBP4 levels. All participants were followed up by sonography and Dopple