Alpha-Fetoprotein

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Abstract
Beginning in 1977, numerous studies have reported an association between high levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, measurement in early pregnancy, and low birthweight and perinatal death. It has been suggested, however, that these findings may be explained buy bias. We reviewed 21 studies and found that they were unanimous in reporting this association and that the association cannot be explained by any of the proposed biases. Comparing women whose alpha- fetoprotein levels were 2.5 times the median or more with all other women, the highest relative risk of fetal death was 21.0, with a 95% confidence interval of 2.8–7.0. for low birthweight (<2,500 grams), the highest relative risk was 6.4 (95% confidence interval = 1.5–2.5). (Epidemiology 1993,-4.-471–476)

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