title: Prenatal detection of neural tube defects. Comparison between alpha-fetoprotein and beta-trace protein assays.
abstract: The prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects is now possible in about 90 per cent of cases by assaying the amniotic fluid for alpha fetoprotein. The accuracy of beta-trace protein assays on amniotic fluid samples from defective fetuses was compared to alpha-fetoprotein studies. At present, alpha-fetoprotein studies provide more reliable results.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D000757:Anencephaly / Q000175:diagnosis; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000032:analysis*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; D005326:Fetal Proteins; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins