PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS OF THE MECKEL SYNDROME

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (6) , S13-S15
Abstract
Pregnancies (16) of 12 women with a previous child affected with the Meckel syndrome were monitored by ultrasonic scanning and amniotic fluid .alpha.-fetoprotein (AFP) assay. Second-trimester AFP testing in 14 pregnancies detected 1 of 2 affected fetuses, and was normal in all 12 pregnancies in which the child was normal. Evidently measurement of amniotic fluid AFP is helpful for Meckel syndrome only when there is an associated open neural tube defect. The importance of extremely careful ultrasonography is emphasized.