MATERNAL PLASMA ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN IN NORMAL AND COMPLICATED PREGNANCIES

Abstract

Plasma alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been estimated by radioimmunoassay in healthy non‐pregnant adults, some of whom were taking oral contraceptives, and in women with normal and complicated pregnancies. A curve with the 90 per cent range in normal pregnancy was established. The proportion of values below the 5th centile in complicated pregnancies was significantly greater than in uncomplicated pregnancies. However, three‐quarters of the estimations in the complicated groups lay within the 90 per cent range. No correlation was found between maternal plasma AFP values and the incidence of fetal distress, small‐for‐dates babies or perinatal mortality. It is concluded that the measurement of maternal plasma AFP is not a reliable test for predicting fetal well‐being.