ISSN:
1471-0528
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary. Maternal serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured during the second trimester in 219 twin pregnancies uncomplicated by neural-tube defects (NTD) and in 11 twin pregnancies discordant for NTD. Serum AFP levels were recorded in multiples of the median value (MOM) calculated from normal singleton pregnancies. Of the twin pregnancies uncomplicated by NTD 49% had AFP levels 〈2·5 MOM, 7·8% had levels 〉5 MOM and 59% of these were associated with either abortion, stillbirth or fetus papyraceous. In twin pregnancies with serum AFP levels 〈5 MOM an unsuccessful outcome was noted in only 4% (χ2, P〈0·05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum AFP levels and combined birthweights (r=0·954). All 11 pregnancies discordant for NTD had serum AFP values 〉5 MOM and this level appears to be a suitable cut-off point above which there should be further diagnostic investigations and monitoring of fetal well-being.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1982.tb05032.x
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