ABSTRACT
Q1 Which of these statements is true regarding the reduction of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels during the first 8 months of life? A 150 000 ± 50 000 decreases to 25 ± 10 ng/mL. B 33 000 ± 15 000 decreases to 75 ± 10 ng/mL. C 48 000 ± 35 000 decreases to 8.5 ± 5.5 ng/mL D 250 000 ± 50 000 decreases to 15 ± 5.5 ng/mL E 500 000 ± 50 000 decreases to 25 ± 5.5 ng/mL
A1 C Serum AFP at birth is high (48 000 ± 35 000 ng/mL), and rapidly declines to normal adult values of (8.5 ± 5.5 ng/mL) by 8 months of age. High levels of serum AFP are suggestive of a malignant mass; milder elevations are seen in hamartoma and teratoma.
