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Elevated alpha-fetoprotein refers to a state where alpha-fetoprotein levels are outside of the reference range. There are two categories of AFP tests: tests performed on serum (blood plasma), and tests performed on amniotic fluid. Tests performed on serum are further categorized by the reason for performing the test: maternal serum, adult tumor ...
Amniocentesis is an invasive diagnostic test that can be done during the second trimester of pregnancy for individuals that are looking to identify or are at higher risk of passing chromosomal and/or neural tube abnormalities. The procedure is typically done via needle, in combination with ultrasound for guidance, to obtain a sample of the ...
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, α-fetoprotein; also sometimes called alpha-1-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoglobulin, or alpha fetal protein) is a protein [5] [6] that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q13.3). [ 9 ]
The most common abnormality the test can screen is trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).In addition to Down syndrome, the triple and quadruple screens assess risk for fetal trisomy 18 also known as Edwards syndrome, open neural tube defects, and may also detect an increased risk of Turner syndrome, triploidy, trisomy 16 mosaicism, fetal death, Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, and steroid sulfatase ...
Triploidy may be suggested by dramatically elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein. On obstetric ultrasonography, abnormalities of the skeleton, central nervous system, heart, abdomen, and kidneys are visible in the most severe cases beginning at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. Placental abnormalities associated with a triploid pregnancy become ...
It is a tetramer protein with 2 alpha and 2 gamma subunits. This is different from adult hemoglobin because it has 2 alpha and 2 beta subunits. Fetal hemoglobin is coded by a gene on chromosome 11. The gamma subunit on fetal hemoglobin contains a neutral and nonpolar amino acid at position 136, unlike the beta subunit of adult hemoglobin.
The fucosylation index of alpha-fetoprotein as a possible prognostic indicator for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aoyagi, Y., et al. , Am. Cancer Soc., 83, 2076–2082, 1998. Monitoring of lectin-reactive alpha-fetoproteins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated using transactheter arterial embolization.
Before birth, if a blood test or amniocentesis finds a high level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), there is a higher risk of spina bifida. [5] Ultrasound examination may also detect the problem. Medical imaging can confirm the diagnosis after birth. [ 5 ]