Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening: A report of the Forsyth County Project

Sherrin Gardner*, Barbara K. Burton, A. Myron Johnson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

A pilot screening program for the prenatal detection of neural tube defects has been conducted in Forsyth County, North Carolina. During the first 2 years of the program, 3,476 women were screened by quantitating levels of maternal serum alpha fetoprotein. Three neural tube defects and one case of multiple congenital anomalies with severe gastroschisis were detected as a result of the screening program. Outcome of pregnancy has been monitored in this group of women and no false negatives have been reported. No false positive amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein values were observed and no normal fetuses were aborted. Data gathered from this screening program again document the validity of maternal serum screening. The method of implementing a program for the prenatal detection of neural tube defects in urban areas is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)250-253
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume140
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 1981

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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