title: [Prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects. Value of electrophoresis of cholinesterases].
abstract: Cholinesterase electrophoresis was performed in 802 amniotic fluids and its value in the detection of neural tube defects was compared with those of ultrasonography and amniotic fluid alpha-foetoprotein levels. Cholinesterase electrophoresis confirmed the ultrasonic diagnosis in 51 cases of neural tube abnormality and made it possible to diagnose neural tube defect in 6 other cases which had remained undetected by ultrasound and by alpha-foetoprotein level measurements. When our technique is used before the 28th week of gestation, false-positive results concern abnormalities which are easily detected by ultrasound (omphalocele, Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome, sacrococcygeal tumour). We did not observe any false-negative result.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000032:analysis*; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D002802:Cholinesterases
vernacular_title: Diagnostic prénatal des défauts de fermeture du tube neural. Intérêt de l'électrophorèse des cholinestérases.