PRENATAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING FOR NEURAL-TUBE DEFECTS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (5) , 633-639
Abstract
Human cases [22] of open neural tube defect were found in a population of 17,703 unselected pregnancies (1.2/1000) within the Long Island, New York [USA] region. Voluntary screening of maternal serum .alpha.-fetoprotein levels identified 20 of the 22 cases (91%). Of 692 participants who demonstrated serial elevations in maternal serum .alpha.-fetoprotein and were designated at increased risk for open neural tube defect, 24% had underestimated gestational age, 13% had multiple gestations and 53% were candidates for amniocentesis. In the amniocentesis group the detection yield of neural tube defect was 20/365 (5.5%). Neither false-negative amniotic fluid evaluations nor termination of normal pregnancy due to false-positive amniotic fluid levels occurred. Perinatal outcome data, including, pregnancy complications, date, mode of delivery, sex, birth-weight, Apgar score and congenital malformations of the neonate other than neural tube defect, are reported for the first 9300 consecutive participants of the 17,703 population study. These data identify a correlation between rate of perinatal loss and maternal serum .alpha.-fetoprotein levels.

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