Study of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid and its application in the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects
Jacob, T.T.; Verma, I.C.; Hingorani, V.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 66(2): 236-243
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 72733 Document Number: 110793
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was assayed by immunoelectrophoretic technique in 151 samples of amniotic fluid obtained from 147 pregnant women, in 75 before termination of pregnancy and in 69 for diagnostic purposes. The gestation as assessed by clinical evaluation of women and/or anthropometric measurements of fetuses, ranged 12-30 wk. The mean value of AFP was high at 13-15 wk of gestation (13.8-25.3 .mu.g/ml), gradually fell to 4.9 .mu.g/ml at 20 wk and further declined to 2.1 .mu.g/ml at 24 wk. Standard curves were derived for values of AFP at various periods of gestation. The values did not differ significantly from those observed in Caucasian women in UK and USA. The values showed no correlation with maternal nutrition as judged by weight, height and Hb. Of 8 women who had previously borne a child with a neural tube defect, AFP in the amniotic fluid was normal in 7. In 1 case the AFP value was just beyond 3 SD. Intrauterine asphyxia was forecast and confirmed at delivery.