MedicineMaternal HealthObstetricsHigh-risk PregnancyMaternal-fetal MedicinePrenatal DiagnosisFetal Anomaly DetectionPregnancyPrenatal AssessmentPrenatal CarePrenatal Risk AssessmentSpina BifidaChromosomal Abnormality ScreeningFetal Chromosomal AbnormalitiesMaternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein ScreeningMultiple Gestation RiskNeural Tube Defect ScreeningPrenatal Anomaly ScreeningPrenatal Diagnosis Of Chromosomal DisordersPrenatal Genetic Screening
Second-trimester maternal serum screening is a noninvasive means of identifying pregnant women at an increased risk for various conditions including a fetus with open spina bifida, fetal Down syndrome, trisomy 18, multiple gestation, and adverse pregnancy outcome. Combinations of several different markers are available for screening. These include alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and unconjugated estriol. In this review, we discuss the benefits and limitations of the screening tests and the suggested protocols for the care of patients.
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Maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome in early pregnancy.
N J Wald, Howard Cuckle, J. W. Densem et al. · BMJ · 1988 · 974 citations · Full text