[Prenatal diagnosis and prevention of neural tube defects]

Measurement of the alpha-fetoprotein level (A.F.P.) in amniotic fluid is the best test to diagnose a neural tube defect (N.T.D.) in early pregnancy of women who have had one N.T.D. infant. Measurements of the serum-A.F.P. level, which might be performed in all pregnancies, have a high rate of false positive results. Serum-A.F.P. and amniotic fluid-A.F.P. both are raised only in open spina-bifida and/or anencephaly. The prospective studies about a possible prevention of N.T.D. by periconceptional vitamin supplementation are discussed. The first results are encouraging. So we recommend a multivitamin supplementation at least 28 days before the conception.