title: Risks associated with an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level.
abstract: Among 58,187 women tested, 1002 had a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein measuring greater than or equal to 2.5 multiples of the median after correction for race, weight, and insulin-dependent diabetes. They were stratified into three groups: group 1, 2.5 to 2.9; group 2, 3.0 to 5.0; group 3, greater than or equal to 5.0 multiples of the median. The initial risk of a serious abnormality detected by ultrasonography or amniocentesis was 17% (5%, 12% and 65% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). After correction for twins and dates, this risk became 23% (7%, 18%, and 71% in groups, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Among the women with high maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, 556 (77%) had normal ultrasonographic and amniocentesis studies, and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome ws 27% (19%, 29%, and 70% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). There was a statistically significant increase in late fetal and perinatal death, prematurity and growth retardation, oligohydramnios, abruptio placentae, preeclampsia, and congenital abnormalities. The overall risk for abnormality or adverse outcome was 24% in group 1, 41% in group 2, and 91% in group 3.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: B F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Crandall
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grau
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012306:Risk; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins