Lipoxin A 4 (LXA 4 ) as a potential first trimester biochemical marker of intrauterine growth disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate first trimester maternal serum levels of lipoxin A4 (LXA4 ) in prediction of intrauterine fetal growth.

METHODS: Study group of 185 patients in singleton pregnancy was divided into three subgroups according to neonatal birthweight: ≤10th percentile (SGA), 11-89th percentile (AGA) and ≥90 percentile (LGA).

RESULTS: We observed decreased values of LXA4 concentrations, both in SGA- and LGA groups, when compared to AGA (68.91 ± 33.72 and 68.30 ± 23.49 versus 102.13 ± 121.90, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Lipoxin A4 may become an biochemical marker in the prediction of intrauterine fetal growth disturbances; however, more studies need to be undertaken to investigate LXA4 's role in pregnancy.