Mid-trimester maternal serum AFP levels in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE

In this prospective study, we investigated the association between mid-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein AFP (MSAFP) levels and adverse pregnancy outcome in a South-Western Greek population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

110 healthy Greek women with spontaneous pregnancies, investigated for MSAFP levels between the 13th and 24th week of gestation and followed for adverse pregnancy outcome. AFP levels > 2.0 multiples of the median value for gestation were considered abnormal. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-square test.

RESULTS

Elevated MSAFP levels were detected in a total of 27 of the 110 women studied (24.5%). Among them, only four women (14.8%) developed pregnancy complications.

CONCLUSION

Multiparameter testing of placental function in the mid-trimester (uterine artery Doppler, placental morphology and MSAFP screening) may allow us to identify women with increased risk of developing severe placental insufficiency and pregnancy complications.