What is the PAPPA Project in Down Syndrome Screening?

Question

PAPPA is a project in Down syndrome screening. What is the significance of this project? If the Down syndrome screening result shows an abnormal PAPPA value, does it mean there is a problem with the fetus?

Answer

PAPPA (Placental Protein A) is a commonly used indicator in Down syndrome screening, typically conducted between 14 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. This test can sometimes produce errors, and if the result indicates a low-risk, there is usually no major concern. However, if one or more indicators in the Down syndrome screening are abnormal, further tests like non-invasive prenatal DNA testing or amniocentesis may be required. If the non-invasive DNA test result is normal, there is no need to be overly concerned, but regular prenatal check-ups and supplementation of iron and nutrition are still necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It is recommended to have a diverse diet during pregnancy, including high-protein foods, vegetables, and fruits, and to avoid alcohol, smoking, drugs, and radiation sources.