European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:Many screening tests are available for predicting adverse pregnancy outcome
and these range from non- invasive to invasive and serum alpha-fetoprotein level
estimation is one of them. The present study was conducted to assess association between
second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein in 14-22 weeks and adverse pregnancy
outcome.
Materials & Methods: 250 patients of gestational age between 14-22 weeks were included.
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein was measured in human serum by microplateimmunoenzymometric
assay by EIA-AFP kit. Maternal serum alpha-feto protein level was
expressed in IU/ml.
Results: 23 (9.2%) participants out of 250 developed preterm labor. 21 out of 23 had raised
value of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 20 (8%) patients out of 250 patients developed
oligohydramnios. 13 out of 20 had raised value of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 14
(5.6%) patients out of 250 developed pre-eclampsia, 11 out of 14 had raised values of
maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 7 (2.8%) patients out of 250 developed premature
rupture of membrane (PROM). 4 out of 7 had raised values of maternal serum alphafetoprotein.
Conclusion: There is an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery,
oligohydramnios and premature rupture of membrane with elevated maternal serum
alpha-fetoprotein levels