Human chorionic gonadotrophin and alpha-fetoprotein levels in matched samples of amniotic fluid, extraembryonic coelomic fluid, and maternal serum in the first trimester of pregnancy
Wathen, N.C.; Cass, P.L.; Kitau, M.J.; Chard, T.
Prenatal Diagnosis 11(3): 145-151
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0197-3851 PMID: 1710066 Document Number: 575683
Separately identified samples of amniotic fluid and extraembryonic coelomic fluid obtained by high resolution transvaginal ultrasound-guided amniocentesis from 32 women between 7 and 12 weeks of pregnancy were analysed for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). There was a highly significant difference between the hCG levels in amniotic fluid (median level 6.3 U/ml; range 1.6-310.0 U/ml) and those in extraembryonic coelomic fluid (median level 400.0 U/ml; range 135.0-2250.0 U/ml) (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U-test). The levels of AFP were very similar in amniotic fluid (median 26.0 kU/ml; range 10.0-116.5 kU/ml) and extraembryonic coelomic fluid (median level 24.1 kU/ml; range 12.4-94.4 kU/ml).