Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  1997 Sep;40(9):1858-1862.

The Association Between Unexplained Second-Trimester Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Elevations and Perinatal Complications

• Jeong JY
• Park JS
• Kang SS
• Jeong KM
• Kim AT
• Moon YH
• Chung KS

Abstract

Our purpose was to study the correlation between elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein(MSAFP) or human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) levels and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, preterm delivery. MSAFP and HCG levels were measured in stored second-trimester(14~22 weeks) serum obtained from 510 women. The criteria for patients with unexplained MSAFP elevations were a MSAFP level 2.5 or greater multiples of the median(MoM) and HCG elevations were a HCG level 2.0 or greater multiples of the median(MoM) excluding multiple pregnancy, fetal malformation or death on ultra-sonography and molar pregnancy. In contrast, patients with MSAFP levels 0.5 to < 2.5 MoM, HCG levels < 2.0 MoM were served as controls. Women with elevated HCG levels had more significant association with PIH than control group(22.2 % versus 3.4 % ; p < .005). Elevated MSAFP was significantly associated with preeclampsia(7.7 % versus 1.1 % ; p < .05). But no significant differences were observed in the incidence of preterm delivery. We suggested elevated second-trimester MSAFP or HCG levels appear to be correlated with high risk for PIH and preeclampsia. So, These patients require careful monitoring with adequate obstetric managements.

Keyword

Unexplained elevation; Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein; Human chorionic gonadotropin; Pregnancy induced hypertension; preeclampsia

MeSH Terms

alpha-Fetoproteins*
Chorion
Chorionic Gonadotropin*
Female
Humans*
Hydatidiform Mole
Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced
Incidence
Pre-Eclampsia
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Multiple
Chorionic Gonadotropin
alpha-Fetoproteins