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Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in breastfed infants with prolonged indirect hyperbilirubinemia

Rosa Manganaro1, Lucia Marseglia, Carmelo Mamì

  • 1Department of Paediatric and Surgery Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.

Early Human Development
|February 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Jaundiced breastfed infants have higher serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels than healthy infants. This study establishes new normal AFP ranges for these infants, aiding in accurate diagnosis and preventing unnecessary tests.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Indirect hyperbilirubinemia is common in breastfed infants.
  • Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in infants can indicate serious conditions.
  • Normal AFP levels in jaundiced breastfed infants require specific verification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine normal serum AFP levels in breastfed infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
  • To establish reference ranges for AFP in this specific infant population.
  • To differentiate physiological elevations from pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 98 jaundiced breastfed infants meeting specific inclusion criteria.
  • Comparison with a control group of 30 age-weight-matched non-jaundiced breastfed infants.
  • Serum AFP, indirect bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum AFP concentration was significantly higher in jaundiced infants (3548 ng/ml) compared to controls (1095 ng/ml).
  • Elevated AFP levels directly correlated with indirect bilirubin and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase concentrations.
  • Established higher normal AFP ranges for jaundiced breastfed infants.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated AFP in jaundiced breastfed infants may be influenced by factors in human milk affecting liver function.
  • Demonstrated that normal serum AFP ranges are higher in jaundiced breastfed infants than previously reported.
  • Findings aid in the correct interpretation of AFP levels, potentially avoiding unnecessary investigations for prolonged jaundice.
Abstract

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