title: Screening for spinal defects.
abstract: Second-trimester diagnosis of most open neural tube defects has become clinically feasible in the past five years. Alpha fetoprotein is the common denominator in a two-stage screening program. Maternal serum analysis identifies high-risk pregnancies; amniotic fluid analysis is diagnostic. The biochemical basis for these tests and findings of clinical studies are reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000032:analysis; D000649:Amniocentesis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008423:Maternal Age; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012306:Risk; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000517:prevention & control; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase