Analisis of marker serum proteins in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders

Comparative retrospective analysis of serum marker proteins (AFP and hHG), ultrasound examinations and fetal karyotypes was carried out in 306 high risk pregnancies of chromosomal anomalies. Peculiarities of pregnansy histories, birth complications and their outcome were considered respektive of maternal serum hHG values registered at 13-21 weeks of gestation.

Statistically significant deviations of maternal serum proteins (MSP) values were registered almost with equal probabilities ih the groups of high risk pregnancies of chromosomal disorders as well as in the women with noncomplicated pregnansy histories (56,7% and 59,3% respectively).

Chromosome abnormalities were registered in 29 out of total 306 fetuses subjected to invasive karyotyping. 11 out 20 women with chromosomally abnormal fetuses revealed substantial deviations of MSP values. All cases of chromosomal abnormalities correlated with maternal age (over 35) and ultrasound markers in the foetuses. Elevated values of hHG in maternal blood correlated with unfavourable pregnansy outcome.