Gestational age and birth weight were associated with school performance in the 10-year-old child and the association extended into the reference range of both birth weight and gestational age.

Objectives To examine early fetal growth, pregnancyassociated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is highly efficient as a serum marker in first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that low levels of PAPP-A in the first trimester are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. PAPP-A is a glycoprotein, produced in the placenta, and it is present in the maternal circulation in increasing concentrations during pregnancy. By means of its proteolytic activity, PAPP-A functions as a regulatory protein in the insulin-like growth factor system, known to be important for placental formation and regulation of fetal growth. This overview describes aspects of biochemistry, synthesis, and biological functions of PAPP-A, with a focus on information of importance to clinicians. The clinical applications of PAPP-A are summarized, and new insights regarding the analyses of PAPP-A discussed.

A significantly higher DR was obtained when the double test was taken early in pregnancy (<10 + 0 weeks), than when it was taken later (>or=10 + 0 weeks). The results could not be explained by a difference in either the false positive rate or the maternal age between the two groups.

This study showed a decline in stillbirths and perinatal mortality after implementation of new Danish guidelines for post-date pregnancies. The risk of interventions as cesarean section and vacuum extraction remained stable despite an increase in labor inductions.