Anyone High Risk b/c of Low Papp-a and High HCG?

Catch23

My NT bloodwork results showed very high HCG and very low Papp-a.  This is highly indicative of a baby with Down Syndrome so I had an Amnio and the baby does not have DS.

But I am still worried about the poor bloodwork.  These numbers can apparently be indicative of placental problems, among other things.  Will discuss with peri next week, but in the meantime, thought i'd check in here.  Anyone else?

TIA

tweedle29

Hi, I have the same issue.  Papp-a was .23 (1st precentile) and HCG was 1.43 (70th precentile). This gave me 1 in 179 odds. I went for 2nd tri blood work on monday, and will have an amnio next week if necessary.  Regarding other issues caused by low papp-a, my doctor did not seem overly concerned at all. She said she will monitor me a little more to check growth and placenta function, but that only a very small % of women with low papp-a experience problems.  She also said that she sees many women with low papp-a.  So really, I wouldn't stress about it too much.  Good luck!

goldenleaves

I would definitely ask your doctor or midwife.

My baby does have Down syndrome, but I didn't have any early screens, just the anatomy scan and an amnio. I'm high risk, mostly because of possible placental and umbilical cord issues.

If there's still a risk of placental issues I might press the issue of NSTs and/or growth scans. It's worth it to at least ask and see what your OB has to say!

KatieDidRaisesKids

I have this same issue and have been going for monthly ultrasounds at the specialist on top of the regular dr's appointments just to keep an eye on everything. They told us that they were able to rule out down's syndrome from the remaining test results and the only concern would be placental problems - but so far we have been in the clear. I was high risk anyway because my previous two children were born at 36 weeks (one induced, the second spontaneous) so we are also doing 17P injections. I'm so sick of going to dr's appointments, but glad that they stay on top of these things. They did say that the low PAAP-A COULD be indicative of placental problems, but it's not very likely. it's just something they kind of have to keep an eye on just in case.