[The value of alpha-1-fetoprotein determinations in the amniotic-fluid of patients with hydramnios in the diagnosis of fetal anomalies (author's transl)].

Little is known about the influence of hydramnios on the alphafetoprotein (AFP)-concentration in the amniotic fluid. We therefore investigated in 19 patients with hydramnios the diagnostic value of the sonographic evidence and the AFP-concentration in the amniotic fluid in relation to prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations in two independent series. An anlysis of the AFP-concentration in the amniotic fluid can corroborate the diagnosis of a malformation made by sonography and influence decisions concerning the management of pregnancy and delivery. If ultra-sonic tests show no anomalies, significantly increased AFP-concentrations in the amniotic fluid of patients with hydramnions can merely confirm a suspicious of an existing malformation and influence decisions on further diagnostic steps.