Spina bifida screening

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]

Overview

First time in 1975, it was reported that AFP levels are often raised in maternal blood in association with neural tube defect of the fetus and it is an important advance in obstetric practice since it presents the possibility of a screening programme leading to early diagnosis and termination of these abnormal pregnancies.

Screening for spina bifida by mother's blood's AFP [alpha‐fetoprotein] is recommended for all pregnant women with Triple Test.
Triple test looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol.
Triple test is performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy preferably in the 16th -18th week.

All pregnant women should have triple test dureng pregnancy, but is is more important in pregnants with:
- Family history of birth defects
- Age of 35 years or older
- Diabetes and use insulin
- Viral infection during pregnancy
- Exposure to high levels of radiation
In patients with high level of AFP, use of ultrasound and amniocentesis may be useful to diagnose open neural tube defects including spina bifida.

First time in 1975, it was reported that AFP levels are often raised in maternal blood in association with neural tube defect of the fetus and it is an important advance in obstetric practice since it presents the possibility of a screening programme leading to early diagnosis and termination of these abnormal pregnancies.

Screening for spina bifida by mother's blood's AFP [alpha‐fetoprotein] is recommended for all pregnant women with Triple Test.
Triple test looks for three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol.
Triple test is performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy preferably in the 16th -18th week.

All pregnant women should have triple test dureng pregnancy, but is is more important in pregnants with:
- Family history of birth defects
- Age of 35 years or older
- Diabetes and use insulin
- Viral infection during pregnancy
- Exposure to high levels of radiation
In patients with high level of AFP, use of ultrasound and amniocentesis may be useful to diagnose open neural tube defects including spina bifida.