title: [Unusual course of alpha-fetoprotein levels in a case of spina bifida detected by prenatal diagnosis].
abstract: The authors report the observation of a case of spina bifida detected at the 18th week from a systematic prenatal screening at the C.H.R. in Toulouse, from the assay of alpha foeto-protein on filter paper. The course of total alpha foeto-protein was particularly unique: high levels found at the 18th week with a progressive decrease in concentration until totally normal level was reached during the 28th week. Ecography confirmed the diagnosis of spina bifida. Total alpha foeto-protein concentration was also found at normal level during the 28th week in serum and in amniotic fluid. Therapeutic abortion confirmed the diagnosis of spina bifida. The authors discuss this unique course of alpha foeto-protein levels from the 18th week of development to the 28th week, made possible by this rather valuable observation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins
vernacular_title: Evolution particulière des taux d'alpha foeto-protéine dans un cas de spina bifida détecté par dépistage prénatal.