| Measuring the amount of alpha feto-protein (AFP) in the maternal serum is well established as a screening tool to detect pregnancies affected with neural tube defects and other structural abnormalities. Many studies have shown that an unexplained elevated maternal serum AFP is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes such as low birthweight, fetal demise, placental abruption, intrauterine growth retardation, and possibly preeclampsia. A consensus regarding the management of pregnancies complicated by an unexplained elevated maternal serum AFP has not been established. Until a consensus is reached, several factors should be assessed to try and determine the pregnancies that are at greatest risk among those complicated by an unexplained elevated maternal serum AFP. These factors include the level of maternal serum AFP elevation and maternal serum AFP levels in previous pregnancies. Each patient with an unexplained elevated maternal serum AFP should have an individualized plan for appropriate follow up. |
