Re: AFP Testing

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: Tina: "level I vs II vs III u/s"
• Previous message: D. Ashley Hill, M.D.: "Re: troverted Uterus"
• In reply to: Jim: "AFP Testing"

We had a AFP test done in lieu of the Amnio. The >results just came back today with an HcG of 86.7 or a MoM of 3.03. They
>tell us we have a 1/73 chance of Neural Tube Defect and a 1/154 (based
>on the test) of Down Syndrome. We were told that the advances in
>fertility technology put the high risk age at over 40.

Although there is a chance the baby has a neural tube defect or a chromosomal problem, many of these tests are falsely positive. The labs do not want to miss anyone, so they err on the side of caution. Unfortunately, this often leads to parents being worried until the tests come back normal.

The next step is a targeted ultrasound. This is done on an expensive machine (often over $300,000) with an excellent ability to look at the fetal lips, fingers, spine, heart, etc. If the ultrasound is normal, many parents decline the amnio. Others opt for the amnio just to be sure. Although the procedure rarely hurts (patients tell me less than an IV), there is a 1:100 to 1:200 risk of miscarriage, so it's not entirely benign.

I'm not sure who told you that assisted reproduction lowers the risk of chromosomal problems. If you used a younger woman's eggs, then perhaps, but it's the age of the eggs that counts. The risk of chromosomal problems rises above age 35, rises even more above age 40, and really goes up after age 50 (1 in 10 in some studies).

Usually the situation you describe causes a few weeks of anxiety until the good news arrives. I sincerely hope this is the case. Best wishes,

--
Ashley Hill
David Ashley Hill, M.D.
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education,
and is not for specific medical advice.
I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail
due to time constraints.

• Next message: Tina: "level I vs II vs III u/s"
• Previous message: D. Ashley Hill, M.D.: "Re: troverted Uterus"
• In reply to: Jim: "AFP Testing"