Abstract
During the past six years, 1,644 second trimester amniotic fluid samples free of meconium and blood were examined for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration to detect neural tube defects. Raised levels were found in 11 out of 13 cases with defects (eight cases of anencephaly, two of meningomyelocele and one of combined central nervous system malformation). As expected, levels in the two hydrocephalic cases were within the normal range. 10 of the 11 correctly diagnosed cases were among 170 high risk cases, while only one was found among 1,474 low risk cases. The antenatal evaluation of AFP levels in second trimester amniotic fluid samples is highly recommended in the population at risk for recurrence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 361-364+408 |
| Journal | Harefuah |
| Volume | 100 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - 1981 |
| Externally published | Yes |