MARKERS OF PREGNANCY AND THEIR CO RELATION WITH USG FINDINGS

Abstract

Background: Biochemical markers and ultrasonographic (USG) parameters are widely used in prenatal screening to assess fetal development and detect potential complications. Markers such as beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) play a crucial role in pregnancy monitoring. Ultrasonographic parameters, including crown-rump length (CRL), gestational sac diameter (GSD), and nuchal translucency (NT), provide real-time fetal imaging. The correlation between these biochemical markers and ultrasound parameters can enhance the predictive value of prenatal assessments. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between biochemical markers and USG findings to improve early pregnancy screening and risk stratification.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 113 pregnant women attending routine antenatal check-ups. Maternal blood samples were collected between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation to measure biochemical markers, including β-hCG, PAPP-A, and AFP. Ultrasonographic evaluations recorded fetal biometric parameters such as CRL, GSD, YSD, NT, and fetal heart rate (FHR). Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to assess associations between biochemical and ultrasonographic markers. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21.0), and multiple regression models adjusted for maternal age, BMI, and parity.
Results: The mean β-hCG, PAPP-A, and AFP levels were 1.20 ± 0.30 MoM, 1.00 ± 0.25 MoM, and 1.10 ± 0.35 MoM, respectively. The average CRL was 50.00 ± 5.00 mm, GSD was 25.00 ± 3.00 mm, YSD was 5.00 ± 0.80 mm, NT was 1.50 ± 0.30 mm, and FHR was 150.00 ± 10.00 bpm. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between β-hCG and YSD (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). AFP was negatively correlated with NT (r = -0.20, p = 0.03). NT and FHR exhibited a positive correlation (r = 0.18, p = 0.06), though it did not reach statistical significance. Other biochemical markers did not show strong associations with USG parameters.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant correlations between biochemical markers and ultrasonographic parameters in early pregnancy, particularly between β-hCG and YSD, and AFP and NT. The findings suggest that integrating biochemical and ultrasonographic markers can enhance prenatal risk assessment and fetal monitoring. However, further large-scale studies are required to validate these relationships and improve predictive models for early pregnancy screening.