Maternal plasma alpha-feto-protein in missed abortion.

Maternal plasma alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in 8 pregnancies, which several weeks later ended as missed abortions, were evaluated. In 7 patients, blood sampling before or after the death of their fetuses revealed almost normal maternal AFP values. The relatively viable placenta of missed abortion probably hampers the eventual leakage/transudation of fetal AFP into maternal circulation.