Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels as an index of fetal risk

In a prospective study on an obstetric population (1,059 cases) an association was found between elevated levels of maternal serum AFP at weeks 16 to 22 and the occurrence of premature labor or the need for emergency cesarean section in the third trimester. There was no association with other late fetal complications including perinatal death, perinatal asphyxia, and intrauterine growth retardation. The sensitivity of the test in respect of premature labor was 14 per cent but the high incidence of false-positive results reduces the practical value of the test.