title: Fetal wastage as a result of an alpha-fetoprotein screening programme.
abstract: Amniocentesis was performed in 102 pregnancies in which maternal serum-alpha-fetoprotein (A.F.P.) concentrations were raised. 18 pregnancies were terminated. There were 15 neural-tube defects, 2 gastrointestinal abnormalities (1 of which could have been corrected by surgery), and 1 case of hydrocephaly. There was an association between raised maternal serum-A.F.P. and complications of late pregnancy including premature labour, perinatal death, and severe pre-eclampsia. After amniocentesis there was spontaneous abortion of 3 normal fetuses and 1 abnormal fetus.
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology*; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins