title: alpha-fetoprotein and screening markers of congenital disease.
abstract: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is produced in the gut and liver during fetal life and appears to act like albumin in the adult. Because AFP appears in the maternal circulation during pregnancy, interest has been focused on its measurement in maternal serum to predict fetal abnormality. In addition, AFP, as an embryonic product, is elevated in certain malignant states. This article provides a summary of current clinical knowledge of AFP and its applications.
authors.affiliation: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Sundaram
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manimekalai
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Wenk
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D015415:Biomarkers; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins