title: Maternal alpha-2-macroglobulin levels and fetal growth in Guatemala.
abstract: Maternal serum alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) levels were measured at the time of delivery in 244 women in the central highlands of Guatemala. Significantly higher alpha 2M levels were found in thin women and in poor women. In multiple regression analysis controlling for gestational age, race, sex, maternal triceps skinfold thickness and socioeconomic status, high alpha 2M levels were significantly associated with decreased birthweight. These findings agree with those in a predominantly black population in the United States and extend the relationship between alpha 2M and decreased birthweight to a developing country.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Neel
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Goldenberg
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Cliver
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Avent
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood*; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins