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  • Title: Protein measurements in the early prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida.
    Author: Brock DJ.
    Journal: Hum Hered; 1976; 26(6):401-8. PubMed ID: 64448.
    Abstract:
    Measurement of beta-lipoprotein concentration in amniotic fluid is introduced as a new parameter for the early prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida. It was successful in 15 cases of spinal bifida, but failed in 5 cases of open spina bifida and 2 cases of closed spina bifida. All assays were performed before the end of the second trimester and most between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. beta-lipoprotein was compared with alpha-fetoprotein and alpha2-macroglobulin in its effectiveness in diagnosing spina bifida at an early enough date to allow a termination of pregnancy. The assay of beta-lipoprotein (BLP) in amniotic fluid is described for the diagnosis of spina bifida and compared with the assay for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and alpha(2)-macroglobulin (AMG). Amniotic fluid from 22 pregnancies where the fetus had spina bifida was tested. AFP, AMG, and BLP were measured by ''rocket'' immunoelectrophoresis. In 20 cases, AFP measurements and visual observation confirmed open spina bifida. In 2 cases AFP values were normal and the pregnancies continued to term, delivering infants with closed spina bifida. 15 cases were diagnosed by BLP, but failed in 5 cases of open spina bifida and 2 cases of closed spina bifida. Results show that AFP is best for early diagnosis of this disease.
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