Objective To determine if a simplified model for predicting pre-eclampsia can be developed by combining first trimester serum analytes, PAPP-A and free β-hCG, and maternal characteristics. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients seen for first-trimester aneuploidy screening from 2003–2009. The 5th, 10th, 90th and 95th percentiles for the analyte-MoMs for our population were determined and evaluated for association with pre-eclampsia. Univariate and backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed and the area under the ROC curves (AUC) used to determine the best models for predicting pre-eclampsia. Results Among 4,020 women meeting the inclusion criteria, outcome data was available for 3,716 (93%). There were 293 cases of pre-eclampsia. The final model identified a history of pre-gestational diabetes (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–3.9), chronic hypertension (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–3.9), maternal BMI >25 (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9–3.4), African American race (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.6), and PAPP-A MoM <10th percentile (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4) to be significant predictors of pre-eclampsia. (AUC= 0.70, 95% CI 0.65–0.72) Conclusion Low first-trimester PAPP-A levels are associated with the development of pre-eclampsia; however, the model was only modestly efficient in its predictive ability.

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In 1973, accidental contamination of Michigan livestock with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) led to the establishment of a registry of exposed individuals that have been followed for > 40 years. Besides being exposed to PBBs, this cohort has also been exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a structurally similar class of environmental pollutants, at levels similar to average US exposure. In this study, we examined the association between current serum PCB and PBB levels and various female reproductive health outcomes to build upon previous work and inconsistencies. participation in this cross-sectional study required a blood draw and completion of a detailed health questionnaire. Analysis included only female participants who had participated between 2012 and 2015 (N = 254). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to identify associations between serum PCB and PBB levels with each gynecological and infertility outcome. Additionally, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to evaluate each pregnancy and birth outcome in order to account for multiple pregnancies per woman. We controlled for age, body mass index, and total lipid levels in all analyses. A p-value of <0.05 was used for statistical significance. Among the women who reported ever being pregnant, there was a significant negative association with higher total PCB levels associating with fewer lifetime pregnancies (β = −0.11, 95% CI = −0.21 to −0.005, p = 0.04). There were no correlations between serum PCB levels and the self-reported gynecological outcomes (pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or uterine fibroids). No associations were identified between serum PCB levels and the prevalence of female infertility in women reporting ever having sexual intercourse with a male partner. There were no associations identified between serum PCB levels and pregnancy outcomes (singleton live births or miscarriages) or birth outcomes (preterm birth, birth weight, birth defects, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or gestational diabetes). PBB was not associated with any outcome. Further research is needed to determine if and how PCB may reduce pregnancy number. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are synthetic chemicals that were once used as coolants in electrical equipment and as flame retardants in the manufacturing of plastics and electronics, respectively 1,2. Although the production of PCBs ceased in 1977 and PBBs in 1976, concern over their health effects remains because of their continued persistence in the environment, the pervasiveness of their exposure in