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Researchers at the University of Bern, Switzerland have developed a three-serum marker formula that distinguishes ectopic from intrauterine pregnancies. The panel of tests includes serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), serum-specific protein-I, human placental lactogen, glycodelin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). They report that the combination of the three independent markers was superior to any single marker alone. The panel is most useful after 7 week of gestation. The group is conducting further analyses to see whether the marker combination may also discriminate between ectopic pregnancy and early abnormal uterine pregnancy.
Source: Fertility and Sterility, April 2004 (2004;81:1106-1111)