What is the role of inhibin A in the Down's quadruple screen?

Inhibin A plays a crucial role in the Down's quadruple screen as a biomarker for assessing the risk of Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21. This test is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy and evaluates several markers to identify pregnancies at increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities.

Inhibin A is a hormone produced by the placenta and a specific type of cell in the ovaries. Elevated levels of inhibin A in conjunction with other markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estriol are associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome. Specifically, when the levels of inhibin A are higher than expected, it suggests an increased likelihood that the fetus may have Down syndrome, helping healthcare providers make necessary considerations for further testing or monitoring.

Understanding the purpose of the various markers in the quadruple screen is vital for interpreting the results correctly, and inhibin A's role as an indicator of Down syndrome risk is well-established in clinical practice.