[Alpha 1 fetoprotein in pre-eclamptic toxemia (author's transl)].

From 1973 to 1975, 287 serum levels of alpha 1 fetoprotein in women with pre-eclamptic toxemia were determined. Pre-eclamptic toxemia was classified according to modified scheme of Goecke and Rippmann. 161 patients had mild pre-eclamptic toxemia (index 1-3), 72 patients had moderate pre-eclamptic toxemia (index 4-6), 54 patients had severe pre-eclamptic toxemia (index 7). In all types of severity of pre-eclamptic toxemia more levels of alpha fetoprotein were lower or higher than the normal levels including the standard deviations. The number of abnormal values rose with an increasing toxemia index. There was no statistically significant difference between too high values and too low values. Significantly more values were above and also below the normal values. Our investigations appear to indicate that the determination of the alpha fetoprotein is not only valuable as screening method for neural tube defects but also of value in the diagnosis and management of pre-eclamptic toxemia. Too high and too low values should not be differentiated but values both above and below the normal levels should be considered.