Maternal serum alpha-feto-protein as a predictor of the pregnancy outcome
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2021, Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages 3028-3033
Abstract
Background: Elevated levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein are associated with pregnancy complicated by Pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, placental infections, chronic villositis, low birth weight and preterm labor. The present study investigated the possibility that maternal serum alpha-feto-protein can be used to predict the pregnancy outcome as a routine test.Materials & Methods: 250 patients in the Postgraduate Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Lalla Ded Hospital, Government Medical College Srinagar, over a period of one year were assessed for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein by human serum by microplate immuno-enzymometric assay by EIA-AFP kit.
Results: Age group 20-23 years had 31, 24-27 years had 80, 28-31 years had 104 and 32-35 years had 35 patients. The mean of the maternal serum alphafeto protein (overall) was 65.32+33.95. The mean of the maternal serum alphafeto protein in pregnancies with normal outcome was 53.47+25.65. The mean of the maternal serum alphafeto protein in pregnancies with adverse outcome was 92.96+34.99. 4 (1.6%) patients out of 250 developed low- lying placenta. 2 out of 4 had raised values of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 6 patients out of 250 had still birth. 4 out of 6 had raised values of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 19 (7.6%) patients out of 250 had low birth weight babies. 18 had raised values of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. 12 (4.8%) patients out of 250 had intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) of babies. 11 had raised values of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein.
Conclusion: There is no relation between preterm rupture of membranes, low lying placenta and still birth with raised levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. It is easily done and is cost effective.
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