Comparative study between 1st and 2nd trimester screening for neural tube defects using US markers and maternal serum alpha fetoportein

Abstract

Background; Neural tube defects, the commonest central nervous system congenital anomalies, are a heterogeneous group of malformations resulting from failure of normal neural tube closure. Aim and objectives; to assess the potential value of combined maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound markers at 11-13weeks of gestation in early screening for fetal neural tube defects in comparison to the standard second trimester screening of neural tube defects. Subjects and methods; This prospective study will be conducted at the Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine Department – National Research Centre and Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Kasr Al Ainy Teaching Hospital. Result; Number of patients with MSAFP ≥ 2.0 MoM in the study population was 50 (25%). Number of patients with MSAFP < 2.0 MoM in the study population was 150 (75%). Conclusion; Combined maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound markers at 11-13 weeks of gestation can be used as early screening for fetal neural tube defects as well as the standard second trimester screening of neural tube defects, the second trimester ultrasound is more sensitive than that of the first trimester for the diagnoses of neural tube defects.