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MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING IN A PROVINCIAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb10573.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 86, Issue 2, pages 87–90, February 1979
Additional Information
How to Cite
Woolfson, J., Holt, E. M., Whyman, A. E. and Mabbs, D. V. (1979), MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING IN A PROVINCIAL HEALTH DISTRICT. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 86: 87–90. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb10573.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) estimation as a routine screening test for neural tube defect (NTD) was introduced into the West Berkshire Health District, where 17 per cent of all deliveries and most of the antenatal care is under-taken by the general practitioners. In the first year, 4458 patients were screened and 43 of those (0.96 per cent) had raised serum AFP levels. Amniocentesis was performed on 31 patients (0.69 per cent). Ten fetuses with severe NTDs and one with exomphalos were detected and the pregnancies terminated. In six patients, raised serum AFP levels were due to fetal death. No normal pregnancy was terminated. Acceptability by patients was high. Provided that a good diagnostic ultrasound facility is available locally, maternal serum AFP estimation seemed to be a valuable screening test.