Prenatal differentiation of ventral abdominal wall defects. Are amniotic fluid markers useful adjuncts?

J Reprod Med. 1992 May;37(5):445-8.

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed 29 cases of ventral abdominal wall defects to evaluate the usefulness of amniotic fluid markers in the prenatal assessment of those disorders. Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AF-AFP) values were available in 17 cases diagnosed prior to 22 weeks' gestation and acetylcholinesterase (AF-ACE) values, in 21 cases. All 7 fetuses with a gastroschisis had an elevated AF-AFP, while only 2 of the 10 fetuses with an omphalocele had elevated values (P = .002). ACE was present in 80% of the cases of gastroschisis versus 27.3% of the cases of omphalocele (P = .03). With equivocal sonographic findings, a normal AF-AFP and negative AF-ACE may be more compatible with an omphalocele.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / chemistry*
  • Alabama / epidemiology
  • Amniotic Fluid / chemistry*
  • Biomarkers / chemistry*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hernia, Umbilical / diagnosis*
  • Hernia, Umbilical / epidemiology
  • Hernia, Ventral / congenital*
  • Hernia, Ventral / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Ventral / epidemiology
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / standards*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / standards
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • Acetylcholinesterase