Journal
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
Volume 349, Issue 1-2, Pages 15-23Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.cccn.2004.06.020
Keywords
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); newborns; gestational age (GA); birthweight (BW)
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein molecule, which has similarity to albumin and is produced by the fetal liver. Its biological role is unclear and factors that may influence its concentrations in neonates are only partially identified. However, it has an important role as a diagnostic marker, especially in certain tumors and liver diseases of childhood. Its normal reference values in newborns have not been well defined. Methods: Serum AFP concentrations were measured and characterized in 260 term and near-term newborns [gestational age (GA)greater than or equal to34 weeks, birthweight (BW)greater than or equal to1700 g] at birth [umbilical cord (UC) blood] and upon discharge from the nursery at 60+/-24 h of life (venous sample). Results: Due to the nonnormal distribution of AFP levels, it is useful to relate to reference interval for AFP concentrations at birth that was 15.7-146.5 mug/ml, based on 95% confidence interval (CI). The median value of 48.3 mug/ml is also a useful reference. However, mean AFP concentrations at birth that were 61.6+/-44.8 mug/ml are less informative due to the large standard deviation (S.D.). Upon discharge, AFP concentrations dropped to 9.7-111.9 mug/ml (95% CI) with a median of 34.2 mug/ml. A significant negative correlation was found between AFP serum levels and gestational age and to a lesser extent with birthweight. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: Normal reference intervals for AFP in term and near-term newborns have been defined, but need to be addressed with caution due to the wide range of normal values. AFP levels at birth decrease as gestation advances and the newborn weighs more. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available