title: Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, second-trimester oligohydramnios, and pregnancy outcome.
abstract: Although the primary purpose of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening is to detect open neural tube defects, the technique is of value in the diagnosis of other fetal abnormalities. Six patients from the Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening Program, Perinatal Region IV, were found to have twice elevated maternal serum AFP levels associated with severe early second-trimester oligohydramnios. Five of the fetuses were found to have urinary tract abnormalities. The source of the elevated maternal serum AFP is not clear. Pregnancy prognosis appears poor. These cases should be thoroughly studied so that patients may be accurately informed of the recurrence risk.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008403:Mass Screening; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000002:abnormalities; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins