Measurement of placental protein 5, placental lactogen and pregnancy-specific beta 1 glycoprotein in mid-trimester as a predictor of outcome of pregnancy.

The circulating levels of placental protein 5 (PP5), placental lactogen (hPL) and pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) were measured in 254 women at the 16th week of pregnancy and the levels were correlated to fetal outcome in late pregnancy. A significant association was shown between high PP5 levels and premature delivery, and low SP1 levels and intrauterine growth retardation. Measurement of placental proteins in the first half of pregnancy may be a valuable clinical index of fetal outcome in late pregnancy.