MSAFP levels in aboriginal Canadian women

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels in 529 non-diabetic aboriginal Canadian women were compared with levels in 13,285 non-diabetic non-aboriginal women. A woman was considered to be aboriginal if she was listed on the Indian Register of Canada. After controlling for the gestational age on the date at which the sample was drawn and maternal weight, MSAFP levels appeared to be approximately 4 to 5% higher in aboriginal women. The possible implications of this finding on an MSAFP screening program are discussed.