Mid-trimester levels of alphafetoprotein in the screening of low birthweight

  1. T. CHARD,
  2. A. RICE,
  3. M. J. KITAU,
  4. V. HIRD,
  5. J. G. GRUDZINSKAS,
  6. A. M. NYSENBAUM

Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1986.tb07810.x

Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 93, Issue 1, pages 36–38, January 1986

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How to Cite

CHARD, T., RICE, A., KITAU, M. J., HIRD, V., GRUDZINSKAS, J. G. and NYSENBAUM, A. M. (1986), Mid-trimester levels of alphafetoprotein in the screening of low birthweight. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 93: 36–38. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1986.tb07810.x

Author Information

  1. Departments of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Physiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College and the London Hospital Medical College, London, UK

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
  3. Received 21 January 1985, Accepted 31 July 1985

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Summary. Elevated maternal levels of alphafetoprotein (AFP) in midtrimester are believed by some to be a useful screening test for premature labour, low birthweight and low birthweight for gestation. In a prospective study on 887 randomly selected pregnant women we found that although there was an association between low birthweight and elevated AFP, the test would miss five out of every six cases of low birthweight and there would be nine false-positives for every case correctly identified. The test is not therefore sufficiently predictive of low birthweight to be of value as a screening test for this condition.

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