الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The prevention of foetal malformations and abnormalities has long been the hope of obstetritions, paediatricians and geneticists, but since the cause of most human malformations is unknown,, this must remain a dream for the present. However, with the introduction of midtrimester a~niocentesis it is now possible to detect some foetal abnormalities, or high risk pregnancies early enough for selective termination of pregnancy for the sake of mother and foetus (Babson et al., 1979). Among the diagnostic applications of amniocentesis, is the determination of alpha-foetoprotein levels in the amniotic fluid as a new method of antenatal diagnosis. (Emery 1975). Interest in this protein has been developed primarly on the clinical observations tl1at it may reappear in the serum in elevated amounts in adult life in association with normal restorative processes such as ’’liver regeneration’’ and with malignant growth, (Tomasi, 1977). Alpha foeto pr~tein is a foeto specific~ 1 -globulin which might be detected in the human conceptus from the 29th day after conception (Gitlin et al, 1972). This foetoprotein is thought to be transferred from the foetal to maternal circulation; partly directly through the placental barrier, partly via the foetal urine to the amniotic fluid, and also.across the foetal membranes, (Kjessler et al., 1977). Determination of the alpha foeto protein content of the amniotic fluid and foetal cord blood has been shown to be of some value in the diagnosis of some major anomalies in the foetus,such as neural tube defects, exomphalus and congenital nephrotic syndrome; yet its value in the diagnosis of high risk pregnancies is still relatively new (Weiss et al,, 1977). |