Prenatal Screening Part 1 Flashcards
What is the purpose of prenatal screening (maternal serum screening)?
to identify women at increased risk for an affected pregnancy (by non-invasive technology) and to maximize (prenatal) options available to them
What teratogens are associated with increased fetal risk for anomalies including NTD?
valproic acid, phenytoin, and other medications used to treat epilepsy (phenobarbital safer alternative)
maternal DM
folic acid antagonists being taken by mother
What are the possible etiologies of Down Syndrome?
95% Trisomy 21
3% translocation
2% mosaic trisomy 21
What features are associated with Down Syndrome?
moderate intellectual delay, characteristic facial features, 1/2 cardiac defects, hearing issues, leukemia, etc.
What features are associated with Edward’s Syndrome?
typically lethal
liveborns display profound mental retardation, severe IUGR, cardiac defects, malformed ears, micrognathia, etc
most die in first year of life
What 2nd trimester US findings are consistent with Edward’s Syndrome?
cardiac anomaly, omphalocele, neural tube defects, cystic hygroma (or increased NT), IUGR, clenched fists, rocker-bottom feet, etc.
Describe the indications of different levels of MSAFP.
HIGH 4 MoM- spina bifida 7 MoM- anencephaly 9 MoM- gastroschesis *note African Americans will have increased MSAFP LOW Down Syndrome
AFP is originally made in the _______, and after _____ weeks it is made in the _______.
yolk sac
12
fetal liver and GI
What does a positive acetylcholinesterase indicate?
an abdominal wall defect
When is acetylcholinesterase ordered?
if AFAFP is abnormal (>3 SD)
What are possible etiologies of elevated MSAFP?
incorrect pregnancy dating
multifetal pregnancy
fetal death/miscarriage
first trimester bleeding/placenta abnormalities
What are the most common etiologies of MSAFP (that should be in your DDx)?
open neural tube defects abdominal wall defects renal anomaly congenital nephrosis unexplained (when US does not reveal an etiology)
What could an unexplained elevated MSAFP indicate an increased risk for?
placental abruption
perinatal loss
low birth weight due to preterm labor and/or IUGR
other (preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, etc)
What is Estriol?
UE3
estrogen based hormone made in syncytial trophoplast from precursors originating in adrenals
increases with gestational age
What is hCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
pregnancy hormone glycoprotein with 2 subunits produced in placenta
decreases as gestational age increases
