ABSTRACT
A1 E AFP is a plasma protein produced by the fetal yolk sac and liver. Its level in the newborn gradually decreases after birth. AFP in the fetus reaches a peak level of 3 mg/mL at 13-15 menstrual weeks. AFP concentrations in the fetal serum and the amniotic fluid follow the same curve but at 150-fold dilution. Conditions in the fetus that increase the transudation of fetal serum into the amniotic fluid result in an increased level of AFP in the amniotic fluid. Elevated AFP in maternal serum and the amniotic fluid is therefore a reliable indicator of fetal abnormality. All the conditions mentioned above increase the transudation of the serum in the amniotic fluid and hence have an increased level of AFP in amniotic fluid.
