[Detection and determination of alpha-feto-protein in human serum. Use in hepato-gastroenterology]

The presence of alpha-foeto-protein (A.F.P.) was sought in the serum of 520 patients, suffering from various digestive disorders, using two methods: double immuno-diffusion and counter immuno-electrophoresis on cellogel--a more sensitive technique. A.F.P. was detected on 90 of the 520 patients. A.F.P. was measured by radial immunodiffusion or by electro-immunodiffusion on cellogel. Study of the values obtained in various kinds of hepatic disorders indicates that high levels (more than 10 mg/1) are seen almost solely in association with primary carcinoma of the liver, whilst lower levels (less than 10 mg/1) are found in the majority of hepatic disorders, without having any precise significance. The interest of the clinician should therefore be directed not towards the presence or absence of A.F.P. but to its level, which alone is significant.