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AFP Test

AFP Test

AFP Test or Alpha-fetoprotein test is conducted on pregnant women to check the AFP level in the blood. The liver in the fetus produces AFP naturally. Determining the amount of AFP in the mother's blood will help identify any neural tube defect in the fetus. Neural tube defects arise in 2 out of every 1,000 pregnancies. AFP test also helps check for Down's syndrome. There are 60% chances for detecting Down's syndrome when the AFP levels are low in the blood. AFP can also be calculated from the sample of amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman. This screening test is generally performed between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy and is very sensitive between 15 and 17 weeks. The accuracy of the AFP test result lies in the exact age of the fetus. The AFT test is also referred to as maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP. AFP test is done on men and non-pregnant women too to confirm cancer in the testicles, stomach, pancreas, liver and the ovary. High levels of AFP can indicate renal cell cancer.

Interpretation of AFP test results: In men and non-pregnant women, the values of the AFP test is 0-6.4 IU/mL (international units per milliliter), 0-20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 0-20 micrograms per liter. In pregnant women of about 15 - 22 weeks gestation, the AFP results usually show 19-75 IU/mL, 7-124 ng/mL or 7-124 microgram per liter. AFP test values vary depending on the weight of the woman and race. Black women have higher values than White women and White women have higher values than Asian women. High AFP can suggest multiple pregnancies, fetus with neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defect in the fetus or fetal death. In non-pregnant adults, high AFP values mean cancer in the testicles or ovaries. High AFP can also indicate liver diseases and bowel inflammation.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women and affects the mother and unborn baby. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is also known as pregnany induced hypertension and toxemia. This condition can either develop over time or come on rapidly. Preeclampsia is noticed more often in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Women suffering from preeclampisa are likely to give birth to low birth weight babies since this condition hampers the placenta from receiving enough blood.

Pregnant women over the age of 40 or those carrying multiple babies are at higher risk for developing preeclampsia. Women who are already suffering from hypertension or kidney disease are more susceptible for developing preeclampsia. Lack of magnesium or calcium can lead to preeclampsia. This can occur due to poor diet or immune problems. Hormonal disruption can also lead to preeclampsia. Symptoms of preeclampsia include sudden weight gain and swelling. The pregnant women is likely to experience headaches and vision problems. There might be upper abdominal pain, dizzines and vomiting.

In most cases, the woman is relieved of this condition on delivering the baby. If the symptoms of preeclampsia are noticed early in pregnancy, care must be taken to keep blood pressure under control. The physician will advice the pregnant woman on the amount of salt to be consumed as well as the amount of water to be taken in a day. Often this may require hospitalization. The baby is closely monitored with ultrasound. Aspirin or additional calcium may be prescribed to prevent preeclapsia in women who are more susceptible to developing it. Magnesium sulfate is given to women suffering from preeclampsia when they go into labor.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that is noticed only in very few pregnant women. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum experience severe vomiting and nausea. Dehydration usually follows since the woman is not able to keep down any food. Other signs of Hyperemesis Gravidarum are headaches, fainting, ketoacidosis and decreased urination. There may be excess weight loss in the pregnant woman.

Mild cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum are advised to rest and take adequate dietary care. In cases of dehydration, adequate fluids and nutrition is provided intravenously. If symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are noticed, the pregnant woman is asked to undergo serum creatinine, urine ketones, thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum electrolytes tests. Pelvic ultrasound may also be recommended.