ABSTRACT
We evaluated the pregnancy outcome of all patients with elevations of both maternal
serum alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin since institution of combined
serum screening at our program. After analysis of 34,404 samples, 99 patients were
found to have significant elevations of both maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and
human chorionic gonadotropin. The ultrasound findings, amniocentesis results, and
pregnancy outcomes were determined in each case. Sixty-six patients with singleton
gestations met entry criteria. Pregnancy outcome information is available for 63 of
these patients, 60% of whom had at least one complication. Thirty-three patients with
multiple gestations met inclusion criteria. Pregnancy outcome information is available
for 31 of these, 81% of whom had at least one complication. These patients had a high
incidence of pregnancy related complications. This group would appear to be at higher
risk than women with elevation of either maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein or human
chorionic gonadotropin alone.
Keywords
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein - human chorionic gonadotropin - pregnancy complications
