Radial immuno diffusion estimation of maternal serum alpha feto-protein in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

ABSTRACT

Maternal Serum Alphafeto Protein (AFP) levels were measured in maternal serum of normal pregnancy & pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) by using M-partigen immuno diffusion plates. A total of 80 cases (30 normal pregnancy and 50 of PIH) were taken for study. AFP levels were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies as compared to normal pregnancy. Strong positive correlation between gestational age and maternal AFP levels was observed in normal pregnancy. While in PIH no significant positive or negative relationship was found. Observations suggest that estimation of maternal serum AFP may help in early detection of PIH.