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Transformed alpha-fetoprotein (t-AFP) levels in women with threatened preterm labor
Fernando González-Bugatto1, María de los Angeles Bailén, Rosa Fernández-Macías
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain. fgbugatto@yahoo.com
Background/Aims:
To evaluate maternal serum transformed alpha-fetoprotein (MSt-AFP) levels, a new molecular conformation of AFP was used in cases of threatened preterm labor (TPL).
Methods:
Prospective case-control study. Maternal serum levels of classical AFP and transformed AFP (t-AFP) were compared between 2 groups matched by gestational age: 25 women with TPL and 25 healthy pregnant women as controls.
Results:
There was no significant difference in classical maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) levels between the 2 groups. In contrast, MSt-AFP levels were significantly lower in cases of TPL than in the control group [7.64 (1.78-29.06) vs. 33.38 (13.80-190.50) ng/ml; p = 0.006]. Similarly, the t-AFP:AFP ratio was also decreased in the TPL group [0.04 (0.004-0.12) vs. 0.16 (0.05-0.80); p = 0.008]. There was no significant correlation between MSAFP and MSt-AFP levels.
Conclusions:
MSt-AFP levels are decreased in women with TPL.