Role of fetal sex in amniotic fluid alphafetoprotein screening

摘要: Objectives Previous studies have shown that fetal gender has influence on various pregnancy complications and prenatal diagnostic biochemical markers. We evaluated, whether elevation of amniotic fluid alphafetoprotein (AF AFP) is associated with sex a sex-related difference can help to identify pregnancies AFP-associated malformations or loss. Material methods From our database we obtained 6461 singleton gestations AF AFP measurements for the period April 1997–March 1999. Patients >1.9 MoM were identified, details outcome compared matched-pair controls having <2 MoM. Results In 232 262 patients levels information was available. Of these fetuses, significantly more had male (147 fetuses versus 85 female). Having screen-positive result risk higher female (25 (29.4%) 22 (15%) malformations). Adjusting cut-off 2.5 2.0 halves false positive rate from 3.4 1.7% without affecting detection 95%. Pregnancies loss normal (ten losses 185 two 232), but no significant influence. Conclusions Adjusting cut-offs could increase performance AF-AFP screening. Larger are required determine suitable sex-adjusted levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.