Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein in abnormal pregnancies and during induced abortion.

Serial maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in patients with abnormal pregnancies and after saline-induced abortion. Results from patients presenting with mild or severe preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation and severe diabetes did not differ from the normal range. However, in patients with premature labor, the majority of AFP levels were significantly below the normal range, and peak AFP levels were achieved approximately one month earlier than normal. In patients whose pregnancies were terminated by abortion, the AFP levels exhibited a significant rise within a few hours after induction because of resorption of fetal elements into the maternal circulation.