Mid-trimester maternal serum AFP levels in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome

In this prospective study, we investigated the association between mid-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein AFP (MSAFP) levels and adverse pregnancy outcome in a South-Western Greek population.

110 healthy Greek women with spontaneous pregnancies, investigated for MSAFP levels between the 13th and 24th week of gestation and followed for adverse pregnancy outcome. AFP levels > 2.0 multiples of the median value for gestation were considered abnormal. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-square test.

Elevated MSAFP levels were detected in a total of 27 of the 110 women studied (24.5%). Among them, only four women (14.8%) developed pregnancy complications.

Multiparameter testing of placental function in the mid-trimester (uterine artery Doppler, placental morphology and MSAFP screening) may allow us to identify women with increased risk of developing severe placental insufficiency and pregnancy complications.