Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Amniotic Fluids from Spontaneous Abortions

Seller, Mary J.; Creasy, M. R.; Alberman, Eva

doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5918.524

Cited by 57 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In 1974 Seller et al [20] reported on amniotic fluid (AF) alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 54 cases of spontaneous abortions having intact sacs. Three out of 4 cases with 45,X had considerably raised levels of AFAFP, but fetuses with other chromosomal abnor malities but no neural tube defects had nor mal levels of AFAFP.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amniotic Fluid Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in the Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Hygroma

Sorokin¹,

Johnson²,

Drugan³

et al. 1989

Fetal Diagn Ther

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In 7 second trimester pregnancies ultrasound (US) demonstrated cystic hygroma colli (CHC); amniocentesis was performed in 6 patients. In the 7th patient, because of oli-gohydramnios, the fluid for karyotype was aspirated from the CHC. Five pregnancies had been referred secondary to abnormalities on US and 2 others because of low maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP). Four karyotypes were abnormal (45, X; 47, XX+21; 47.XY+21; 46, XX/45, X), and 3 had normal karyotypes. Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFAFP) was normal in 4 pregnancies and low in 2 (0.09 MOM, 0.41 MOM). Of 2 pregnancies with trisomy 21 one had been referred for low MSAFP. In 2 pregnancies with normal karyotypes, US findings at early gestational age (14–17 weeks) of small, nonseptated, bilateral CHC disappeared during pregnancy; these women delivered normal, term babies. Most prenatally diagnosed CHC are not in fetuses with Turner syndrome. With a normal karyotype and CHC as the only finding on early US in utero, normal neonatal survival is possible. AFAFP is not elevated in pregnancies with CHC. If AFAFP is elevated with a positive acetylcholinesterase, such results may suggest that the CHC was inadvertently aspirated.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amniotic Fluid Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in the Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Hygroma

Sorokin¹,

Johnson²,

Drugan³

et al. 1989

Fetal Diagn Ther

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“…Not all cases of exomphalos (omphalocele) will reveal them selves and the AFP level may depend on the extent of the lesion [24,38,61]. The data on Turner syndrome [76] was derived from sponta neous abortion material and has not been confirmed in a single amniocen tesis sample [58]. The case of congenital nephrosis [51] is particularly in teresting in that a second-trimester fetus with this condition is very diffi cult to distinguish from a normal one.…”

Section: Prenatal Diagnosis Of Cns Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The blighted embryo or empty sac found occasionally in spontaneous abortion material may have AFP concentrations too low to be detected by immunoelectrophoresis [4,27,76], but presumably few of these pregnancies would survive into the second trimester. Among diagnostic amniocentesis material most low AFP values signify an incorrectly specified gestation, and in the author's experience some dates have been wrong by as much as 2 months.…”

Section: Prenatal Diagnosis Of Cns Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[85] found no false positives. Early studies showed that when amniotic fluids were aspirated from the intact sacs of spontaneous abortions, the AFP concentrations were often substantially raised even when the fetus was anatomically and chromosomally normal [4,27,76], This suggested that intrauterine death (missed abortion) might be detectable by raised AFP concentrations in amniocentesis samples and this now appears to be the case [58], Howev er, the time span between the actual fetal death and a substantial rise in the AFP concentration is not clear, and for this reason it remains impor tant that the fetal heart be listened for both before and after amniocentesis. A number of other fetal abnormalities where amniotic fluid AFP is in creased have now been reported and are summarised in table 111.…”

Section: Prenatal Diagnosis Of Cns Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

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α-Fetoprotein and the Prenatal Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Disorders

Brock¹

1976

Pediatr Neurosurg

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The use of amniotic fluid α-fetoprotein measurements in the early prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system disorders is reviewed. The method is sensitive and specific and has had a pronounced effect on the counselling of mothers who have already had a child with spina bifida or anencephaly. Measurement of other amniotic fluid components, such as fetal macrophages, β-trace protein, α₂-macroglobulin or fibrinogen-degradation products, is less reliable and these should not be used in making primary diagnoses. The assay of α-fetoprotein in maternal serum shows signs of being a useful preliminary screening process, and may identify pregnancies where amniocentesis and confirmatory amniotic fluid determinations should be offered.

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“…High levels of AFP are also associated with fetal distress and missed abortion [11,12]. This makes AFP measurement another potentially useful tool to the study and management of complicated pregnancies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%