Is unexplained elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein still important predictor for adverse pregnancy outcome?

The purpose of this study was to determined the predictive value of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) as a marker for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study was carried out at Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital between 2009 and 2010. This study included a total of 1,177 pregnant women, including 170 in the study group and 1,007 in the control group. Pregnancy outcomes and characteristics were analyzed with regard to the MSAFP value. Gestational week, birth weight and APGAR scores were significantly lower in the elevated MSAFP group (p < 0.001). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rates were increased in the elevated MSAFP group. Although ultrasound outweighs as a screening method for neural tube defects and non-invasive prenatal testing outweighs for aneuploidy screening MSAFP level in the second trimester is still an important predictor for poor maternal/fetal outcomes.