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ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN LEVELS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATEED BY GASTROINTESTINAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE FETUS
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12578.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 84, Issue 4, pages 285–289, April 1977
Additional Information
How to Cite
Clarke, P. C., Gordon, Y. B., Kitau, M. J., Chard, T. and McNeal, A. D. (1977), ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN LEVELS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATEED BY GASTROINTESTINAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE FETUS. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 84: 285–289. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12578.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels have been measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid in a variety of gastrointestinal abnormalities of the fetus. Maternal serum AFP levels were consistently elevated in abdominal wall defects of the fetus after 15 weeks gestation and the amniotic fluid levels were raised in 3 of the 4 patients measured. In atresia of the gastrointestinal tract and diaphragmatic hernia, serum AFP levels were usually normal unless there was an associated neural tube defect or multiple pregnancy, although the majority were not measured between 15 and 26 weeks gestation. If elevated amniotic fluid levels of AFP are used in the decision to terminate pregnancy on the assumption of a probable neural tube defect of the fetus, a proportion of terminations will be performed because of abdominal wall defects of the fetus.