title: Maternal serum screening for fetal genetic disorders.
abstract: Maternal serum analyte screening is an integral component of contemporary antenatal care. Based on elevated MSAFP levels, 85% to 90% of NTDs (e.g., anencephaly or spina bifida) can be detected. Using a combination of serum analytes (e.g., MSAFP, hCG, UE3) 55% to 60% of fetal Down's syndrome can be detected. Future strategies for Down's syndrome screening may include the use of new markers such as dimeric inhibin-A and urinary beta-core fragment of hCG, as well as first-trimester screening, particularly with PAPP-A and free beta-hCG.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elias
mesh_terms: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D004964:Estriol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005819:Genetic Markers; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D004964:Estriol