title: Alpha-fetoprotein and the prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system disorders. A review.
abstract: The use of amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein measurements in the early prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system disorders is reviewed. The method is sensitive and specific and has had a pronounced effect on the counselling of mothers who have already had a child with spina bifida or anencephaly. Measurement of other amniotic fluid components, such as fetal macrophages, beta-trace protein, alpha2-macroglobulin or fibrinogen-degradation products, is less reliable and these should not be used in making primary diagnoses. The assay of alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum shows signs of being a useful preliminary screening process, and may identify pregnancies where amniocentesis and confirmatory amniotic fluid determinations should be offered.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology; D000757:Anencephaly / Q000175:diagnosis; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000175:diagnosis; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000032:analysis; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D005326:Fetal Proteins; D012712:Serum Globulins; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins