[Immunological determination of alpha-fetoproteins in pregnancy].

In 53 normal pregnant women the alphafetoprotein value (AFP) was determined by two parallel methods: immunological and radioimmunological. The results of this comparative analysis have shown a high significance, the coefficient o the linear correlation r being 1.0002 and the level of agreement obtained by the t test amounting to P less than 0.01. The use of the AFP test in the course of pregnancy depends on the stage of pregnancy. In the first trimester the AFP test is useful as a test for the early detection of fetal disorders. In the second trimester the test is important for the detection of the already existing disorders of the fetus in the course of gravidity and also for the follow-up of the fetal condition. In the third trimester the AFP test could be used for the assessment of gestation age, for the prediction of the death of the fetus, and for the detection of some fetal distress. The AFP level in the mother's blood can provide information about the condition of the fetus within the feto-placental unit.