Risks associated with an elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein level.
Two and two-tenths percent of 85,000 consecutive amniotic fluid (AF) samples had alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels greater than or equal to 2.0 MoM. Half measured 2.0-2.4 MoM, and 93% had a normal outcome. Sixty-seven percent of those with higher levels had abnormalities. A positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) increased the risk from 67% for levels between 2.0 and 2.4 MoM to 99% at greater than or equal to 5.0 MoMs. After a normal ultrasound and chromosome studies, the risk for a fetal abnormality was 1% for AF AFP measuring 2.0-2.4 MoM and 3% for higher levels.
Crandall
B F
BF
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Matsumoto
M
M
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000032:analysis; D000649:Amniocentesis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase