Decreased maternal alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of which fetal condition?

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Study for the NBME Form 13 Test with our comprehensive quiz collection, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions to ensure your readiness. Enhance your knowledge with detailed explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

Decreased maternal alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of which fetal condition?

Explanation:
AFP is a fetal protein that passes into the maternal blood. When there are open fetal defects such as neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects like gastroschisis or omphalocele, larger amounts of AFP leak into the amniotic fluid and maternal circulation, causing elevated maternal AFP. In contrast, Down syndrome commonly shows lower AFP levels in maternal blood, reflecting altered placental/fetal biology rather than leakage from defects. So decreased maternal AFP points toward an increased risk of Down syndrome rather than neural tube or ventral wall defects.

AFP is a fetal protein that passes into the maternal blood. When there are open fetal defects such as neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects like gastroschisis or omphalocele, larger amounts of AFP leak into the amniotic fluid and maternal circulation, causing elevated maternal AFP. In contrast, Down syndrome commonly shows lower AFP levels in maternal blood, reflecting altered placental/fetal biology rather than leakage from defects. So decreased maternal AFP points toward an increased risk of Down syndrome rather than neural tube or ventral wall defects.

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