title: [Prenatal diagnosis and prevention of neural tube defects].
abstract: Measurement of the alpha-fetoprotein level (A.F.P.) in amniotic fluid is the best test to diagnose a neural tube defect (N.T.D.) in early pregnancy of women who have had one N.T.D. infant. Measurements of the serum-A.F.P. level, which might be performed in all pregnancies, have a high rate of false positive results. Serum-A.F.P. and amniotic fluid-A.F.P. both are raised only in open spina-bifida and/or anencephaly. The prospective studies about a possible prevention of N.T.D. by periconceptional vitamin supplementation are discussed. The first results are encouraging. So we recommend a multivitamin supplementation at least 28 days before the conception.
mesh_terms: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000032:analysis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase
vernacular_title: Pränatale Diagnostik und Prävention von Neuralrohrdefekten.